The British Science Association is committed to broadening the participation and inclusivity of science. We aim to make science feel relevant and accessible to everyone, especially those currently underrepresented in the field.

At the BSA, we value diversity in our team, including diverse backgrounds and skills. If we only hired individuals with scientific backgrounds, our work would lack the breadth of knowledge and perspectives that make it so impactful.

We asked some of our colleagues to share their backgrounds and experiences.

Kushie Amin, Communications Officer

Science wasn’t my strongest subject at school. It felt too rigid, technical, so it didn’t resonate with me. I love uncovering the ‘how’s’ and ‘whys’ of everything around me, but with the way the science curriculum was designed at school, I couldn’t fully engage with it.

Like many of my colleagues, I went on to study a humanities degree at university - History of Art. I spent my university life ploughing through academic texts and writing essays, which helped me develop transferable skills. To this day, the skills I gained - communications, critical thinking and problem-solving skills have been vital in my career.

Coming into the BSA, I wasn’t daunted by my lack of scientific knowledge, because I knew that was my strength. I know how to communicate the value of science to the public in a way that feel’s accessible and relevant – something I really wish I had when I was younger.

Agasty Baylon Yogaratnam, Development Officer

I studied English Literature at university, thinking I'd dive into the creative industries like arts and visual arts.

Even though I wasn't aiming for a science-related job, I ended up in the charity sector, starting with Greenpeace. It clicked for me – I loved the motivation and found my skills from teamwork, project management and understanding the media landscape were super useful.

I enjoy working in an organisation that strives for equality, and at the British Science Association (BSA), there are loads of ways to make a positive impact, from politics to public engagement to connecting with business leaders.

My strength lies in not having a science background, which helps me relate better to our audience who we are trying to better engage.

Natalia Grzomba, Policy and External Relations Manager

I studied English and Sociology at university and have always been interested in topics like migration and inequalities. My interest in societal issues is one of the reasons I applied for a position at the BSA and why I find my role so enjoyable.

As part of the policy team, I work with a different science topic every day, trying to address different structural barriers in the sector - it's not possible for anyone to be an expert in all the areas we work with, but my background in social science and interest in societal debates come in handy all the time!

Sarah Elizabeth Cox, PR and Communications Manager

I studied History, Politics and Classic at A-Level, have a BA in Politics and two humanities MAs – the first in International Relations and Asia Pacific Studies and the second in History. Outside of my role at the BSA I work as a historian, and my highest science qualification is a B-Grade Double Science GCSE.

Yet I’ve spent a decade and a half working with researchers in all disciplines – but mostly scientists and medics - to communicate their research. I’m also a published co-author of a Journal of Zoology paper as a historian, working with biologists and statisticians!

Cross-discipline collaborations between the humanities and arts and sciences are usually my favourite projects: blending or breaking down the divide between ‘arts skills’ and ‘science skills’ is the best way to innovate in research, and also the best way to engage the widest, most diverse, audiences. 

Being a non-scientist communicating science to lots of other non-scientists through the press, social media and events makes sense to me - I know why science can be difficult to understand, too complex or just unengaging and know how important it is to tackle those challenges without ‘dumbing down’ or patronising anyone. Science, and knowledge or learning generally, can and should be for us all whatever our backgrounds and abilities.