The British Science Association (BSA) have today (Monday 20 June) announced computer scientist, mathematician and author, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE as its incoming President.
Anne-Marie takes over the Presidency from space scientist and presenter, Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock.
Anne-Marie will kick off her one year-term with the annual Presidential address – an ‘in conversation’ event on Friday 16 September – at this year's British Science Festival, hosted by De Montfort University in Leicester.
Book tickets for Anne-Marie's Presidential Address
Anne-Marie co-founded Stemettes in 2013, a social enterprise supporting and advocating for more girls and non-binary people to participate in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) disciplines.
Anne-Marie recently appeared as the co-host of Countdown and her first book, She's In CTRL: How women can take back tech, will be published in September 2022.
At the British Science Festival, Anne-Marie will discuss her ambitions to engage more women and non-binary people in the technology sector, reflecting on her own experiences in STEM. She’ll explore topics from her upcoming book, reiterating the role of the individual in pushing for positive changes in the technology that permeates our day-to-day lives. Here, she’ll also set forth her agenda as President.
This isn’t the first time the BSA has recognised Anne-Marie’s contribution to science in wider society as she was bestowed an Honorary Fellowship in 2018.
Anne-Marie Imafidon, President-Elect of the BSA, says:
“Becoming President of the BSA is a real honour; some great individuals have taken on this role and I’m really glad to be next. I am also pleased to see the organisation taking steps to recognise people from diverse backgrounds, something that was lacking in its history.
“I set up Stemettes to help remove barriers to technology for young women and non-binary people, and look forward to sharing these experiences to support the BSA in its work to engage communities underrepresented in STEM.
“Having worked on various projects to celebrate the participation of Black British people in technology, I’m excited to work with the BSA team to continue encouraging more people from ethnic minority communities to get involved in the science that intrigues them. I’m looking forward to the year ahead.”
Hilary Newiss, Chair of the BSA, says:
“I am delighted that Anne-Marie has accepted the role of President of the BSA. She is an inspiring, passionate and established ambassador for STEM and does a fantastic job of bringing science to the public in an engaging and vibrant manner.
“I’m very much looking forward to working with her over the next year; I know she’ll be an instrumental part of achieving our mission of making science more connected to society and we hope to bring her enthusiasm to our programmes and events.”
The role of President is a year-long, honorary appointment which commences in September, coinciding with the annual British Science Festival. The President works with the Chief Executive, Senior Management Team and Council to use their platform, driving the BSA’s mission to make science more relevant, representative and connected to society.
Past Presidents of the BSA include Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Professor Alice Roberts, Professor Dame Athene Donald, Professor Dame Uta Frith, Lord Browne of Madingley, Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell-Burnell and Sir David Attenborough.
The British Science Festival programme is now live. To find out more about the Festival and book tickets, visit www.britishsciencefestival.org.