Sir Roland Jackson

The British Science Association is saddened to hear of the death of former British Science Association Chief Executive and Honorary Fellow, Sir Roland Jackson. 

Sir Roland was Chief Executive from 2002 - 2013, overseeing the organisation’s shift from the British Association for the Advancement of Science (a learned society founded in 1831) in 2009 to the British Science Association. 

Originally a research biochemist, Sir Roland moved into science education as a science teacher and curriculum developer and as Education Adviser for the international chemical company ICI.  

In 1993 he joined the Science Museum as Head of Education and was then acting Head of Museum from 2001 - 2002 before joining the British Science Association. Among other positions, he was later Executive Chair of Sciencewise, the body helping policymakers with public dialogue to inform decision making on science and technology issues.  

In recent years, Sir Roland was a Visiting Fellow at the Royal Institution and an Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Science and Technology Studies at University College London, researching the history of nineteenth-century science.  

His biography of nineteenth-century physicist, mountaineer, and public intellectual John Tyndall was published in 2020. His most recent book, Scientific Advice to the Nineteenth-Century British State, was published in 2023. 

Chief Executive of the British Science Association Hannah Russell says: 

“Sir Roland Jackson committed a lifetime of service to science education and public engagement with science. From designing school curricula and science museum galleries, to his historical writing: he saw the value and the benefit for all in engaging the public with the past, present and future of science.  

“Sir Roland’s career reflects a determination to ensure that the public are involved with the policy issues that impact all of us, and the vital importance of dialogue between policymakers and the public. With this vision he achieved remarkable things. 

"On behalf of all of us at the British Science Association, our sincere condolences to Roland's family and friends, and all who knew and worked with him during his remarkable career.”