The British Science Association (BSA) has today (Thursday 19 May 2022) announced that Hannah Russell will be its new Chief Executive Officer. 

Hannah joins the BSA from the Association for Science Education (ASE), a charity she has led for almost three years. During her time at ASE, Hannah has led the organisation through the pandemic, pivoting the ASE’s activities to allow the organisation to grow and extend its support across the science education community.

Hannah’s leadership also placed significant focus on increasing diversity and inclusion, such as the introduction of a new practical science support programme for schools in disadvantaged circumstances, as well as ASE becoming the lead delivery partner for the Department for Education’s Inclusion in Schools programme.

Hilary Newiss, Chair of the BSA, said:

“I am delighted that Hannah will be the next Chief Executive of the BSA. She has a genuine passion for our mission and vision, and the skills to lead the team to deliver it. Hannah is an innovative and energetic leader; an experienced CEO who understands our sector.

“She has a real understanding of the change we want to see: in breaking down the barriers that prevent people and communities from engaging in, studying or working in science and research. I am very much looking forward to working with her.”

Hannah Russell, incoming CEO of the BSA said:

“I’m excited to be joining the BSA to lead the organisation in achieving its ambitious 10-year strategy. The BSA’s vision of making science more relevant, representative of and connected to society is something that I’m hugely passionate about, working across the core pillars of education, engagement and thought leadership.

“I’m particularly looking forward to supporting the team to continue trialling new approaches for bringing scientists and researchers closer to communities; to doubling down on our mission of making science more representative by involving underrepresented audiences in all areas of our work; and to sharing our learning with the wider sector.” 

Prior to joining ASE as Chief Executive Officer, Hannah was Director of Society Programmes at the Biochemical Society where she was responsible for the organisation’s outward facing activities, including education, careers, training, policy and public engagement. Earlier in her career, she was an Education Manager at Wellcome, managing a diverse portfolio of projects including the development of the National Science Learning Centre.

Hannah is also a Trustee for Secondary1st, a cancer research charity focused particularly on secondary breast cancer.

Hannah will take up her post at the helm of the BSA in the autumn.