Volunteer at Europe’s largest science festival June 29, 2009

Each year the British Science Association looks for helpers to assist with our British Science Festival.  This year the festival will be taking place across Surrey, hosted by the University of Surrey, from 5-10 September.

Working at the Festival is an excellent opportunity to take part in the UK’s longest-established science festival, which sees thousands of people participating in talks, discussions and a whole range of events on the burning issues in science.

We look for people to assist in various positions involving event assistance, customer service, and press liaison.  Positions can be either paid or voluntary with expenses paid.

To find out more information about the roles available and how to apply visit the festival webpage. The deadline for applications is 15th July 2009.

How honest are you? June 25, 2009

Have you ever wondered how much our perceptions of dishonesty can vary? 

This can have huge implications on the outcome of criminal trials – particularly if you are on a jury.  The British Science Association have teamed up with Brunel University and the Economics and Social Research Council (ESRC) to explore what public perceptions of honesty really are. 

Tell us what you think by taking part in our international scientific study here http://www.honestylab.com/.  You will be able to find out the results at the Brtish Science Festival in Surrey from 5 – 10 September 2009.

STFC bursaries available to schools going to the British Science Festival June 12, 2009

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is offering secondary schools the opportunity to apply for bursaries to help with attending one of Europe’s largest science festivals. Taking place between 5-10 September this year, The University of Surrey, Guildford will host the annual event’s activities, lectures and debates that involve the cream of the British scientific community.

STFC are the a major grant funder of research into astronomy, nuclear physics, particle physics and space science and provide the UK research community with access to major research facilities in the UK and overseas. The British Science Association’s Physics and Astronomy section and the University of Surrey’s Physics Department have organised events which will provide up to date insights into some of the research and technology supported by STFC from the people delivering it.

STFC are offering a limited number of bursaries of up to £300 per school to help toward the cost of attending the following events at the Festival:

• Monday 7 Sept         13.30 – 17.30                       
  100 Years of Atomic Nuclei
• Wednesday 9 Sept 10.00 – 12.00                       
  A Physicist’s Guide to Dating
• Wednesday 9 Sept  13.30 – 17.30                       
  The Universe From The Bottom Up
• Thursday 10 Sept    10.00 – 12.00                       
  Antimatter

The bursary can be used toward the cost of registration and transport costs. To apply for the bursary please send an email to Chris Woolford at chris.woolford@stfc.ac.uk providing your contact details, the nature of the group you wish to take (e.g. number, age, course of study), the session you anticipate attending and how you would benefit from the bursary.

Whilst applications are welcome from any school, priority will be given to those considered most likely to benefit or who otherwise would be unable to attend. Bursaries will only be issued to those schools able to demonstrate that they have registered for the Festival and one or more of the events listed above. Emails of interest should be received by 10 July 2009. For those to whom bursaries are given, the money can be claimed by sending an invoice (of up to £300 inc.) to STFC along with proof of Festival registration and receipts for registration and/or travel costs.