Today (Monday 28 March 2022), the British Science Association (BSA) is pleased to announce Hilary Newiss as its new Chair.

Hilary sits on the boards of the Natural History Museum and the Cell & Gene Therapy Catapult and she was also previously Chair of National Voices, a charity that works to strengthen the voices of patients – especially from underrepresented groups – in healthcare. Through her career she has been on the boards for the Human Genetics Commission, Roslin Institute and the Francis Crick Institute. By training, Hilary is a lawyer specialising in intellectual property.

Hilary begins her three-year term as the BSA enter the second year of their 10-year strategy, launched in 2021 in the lead up to its bicentennial in 2031.

Hilary Newiss, Chair of the British Science Association, says:

“I’m delighted to join the BSA, an organisation whose vision for science to be more representative of and connected to society chimes so well with my own. I am looking forward to working with the incoming Chief Executive to realise the bold 10-year objectives set out and launched last year.”

Catherine Brown, Chair of the British Science Association’s Nominations Committee, says:

“Hilary has extensive governance experience and expertise gained from working with a number of organisations in the STEM and science engagement sector. Her commitment to promoting the inclusion of marginalised communities in wider decision making and long-standing interest in science complements the BSA’s mission to ensure science is accessible to people from all backgrounds, especially those currently underserved by the science and science engagement sectors.

“On behalf of the BSA’s Council and Executive team, we are very much looking forward to having Hilary on board.”

Rt Hon Lord David Willetts, former Chair of the British Science Association says:

“I’m delighted that Hilary Newiss will be taking over as Chair of BSA. She is strongly committed to the BSA’s key role of broadening access to science beyond professional scientists. She will be an excellent Chair.”

Read more about the BSA’s Council members