British Association for the Advancement of Science

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The British Association or the British Association for the Advancement of Science or the BA is a learned society with the object of promoting science, directing general attention to scientific matters, and facilitating interaction between scientific workers. Membership is open to all.

It was founded in 1831 by William Vernon Harcourt, after a suggestion by Sir David Brewster, who was disillusioned with the elitist and conservative attitude of the Royal Society. The first meeting was held in York on September 27 of that year. From that date a meeting was held annually at some place chosen at a previous meeting.

Ironically, perhaps the BA's most momentous influence on science was in 1878 when a committee of the BA recommended against constructing Charles Babbage's analytical engine. This decision may have delayed the computer revolution by many decades.

The Association's major emphasis in recent decades has been on public engagement in science. Its annual meeting, now called the Festival of Science, is the largest public showcase for science in the U.K. and attracts a great deal of media attention.

In addition to the Festival of Science, the BA organises the UK National Science and Engineering Week, an opportunity for people of all ages to get involved in science, engineering and technology activities.

The Association also has a young people's programme, which seeks to involve school students in science beyond the school curriculum, and to encourage them to consider higher education and careers in science.