Britain and the world’s best loved naturalist, former British Science Association President and Honorary Fellow, Sir David Attenborough, marks his 100th birthday on Friday 8 May 2026.
From 1991-92, Sir David Attenborough served as President of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, as we were then known.
Our annual meeting, now called the British Science Festival, was held in August 1992 in Southampton, with Sir David opening the event – and this year, we again return to Southampton for the Festival.
In his introductory speech at the 1992 ‘science spectacular’ (as described by the Portsmouth Evening News), he said:
“Science and technology play an important part in all our lives. These fascinating parts of our culture provide excitement, wonder and satisfaction for those who get involved in them, and also underpin our national prosperity and enhance our personal wellbeing.”
Later, at his Presidential Address, Sir David observed that there was a growing interest in learning about science and its findings, and science television shows could attract UK audiences of three million up to 13 million for natural history. He delivered a ‘stinging attack’ on cuts to the BBC, criticising the Government of the time for cutting staffing and programme output.
From Friday 8 May 2026, to mark his 100th birthday, the BBC will broadcast new shows alongside beloved landmark series in a week-long celebration of Sir David's work and legacy. Organisations around the country are hosting their own celebrations in appreciation.
Broadcaster, natural historian and writer Sir David Attenborough was born in Middlesex in 1926, grew up in Leicester, and was passionate about fossil collecting and the natural world from childhood.
He studied zoology and geology at the University of Cambridge before carrying out National Service with the Royal Navy. He worked as editor of children’s scientific textbooks, before applying to work at the BBC, initially in radio, then began his presenting career on Zoo Quest in 1954.
Sir David is now in his eighth decade as a broadcaster, has been knighted twice, and is the only person to have won BAFTAs for programmes filmed in black and white and 4k high definition colour.
Marking Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, on behalf of all at the British Science Association, Chief Executive Hannah Russell says:
Few people have shaped public engagement with science and the natural world as profoundly as Sir David Attenborough. He was, is, and always will be the voice and face of natural history. Congratulations, Sir David, on a remarkable life and for bringing the whole world into our homes with a passion that has inspired generations.
Image: Sir David Attenborough demonstrates the concept of bridges and arches to two primary school aged children at a photocall for the opening of the British Association Science Fair 1992 held at Southampton University. 05 August 1992. Photo: Neil Turner