The British Science Association’s Aberdeen Branch has received £9,100 from the Big Lottery Fund, Awards for All scheme. 

Each year the Big Lottery Fund distributes millions of pounds to charities and communities across the UK.  

The Aberdeen Branch has been awarded this grant to aid the development and application of local science events. The BSA has a regional network of volunteer-run branches who organise a wide variety of events that tie into local interests and communities. 

Although the Aberdeen division runs one of the largest programmes for British Science Week in the UK, the demand for science outreach in Aberdeen is still high, which is what pushed them to apply for the funding.  

Branch Treasurer, Liz Hodge, who won the Sayer Vincent Award in 2015 in recognition of her work, explains that: 

“Our application highlighted the importance that we as a branch, and the British Science association as a whole, place on engaging all sections of the community with science. Additional funding will help us reach this goal in a few ways.” 

“Firstly, by removing event ticket or entry cost as a barrier to engagement. Secondly, it would allow us to enhance our year round offering. We could better meet the huge demand for activity and bring new events to the city, which will have a legacy beyond the funding period.” 

New activities in the pipeline include science film screenings, "Dine and Debate" events, and bringing in a big-named speaker to the city. There are also plans to get involved with community events and galas throughout the summer with the hope to engage audiences who wouldn't usually find themselves at a science stall. 

Heather Doran, Branch Chair, added: 

"We are thrilled to have been awarded funding from the BIG Lottery Fund Awards for All scheme. It will allow us to extend our existing activities which will connect communities in Aberdeen with science, not only during British Science Week in March, but across the whole year." 

"Through events for adults, families and children we want to connect people with science in new ways, as well as highlight the value and enjoyment that science can bring." 

Find out more information about the Aberdeen Branch on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BritishScienceAssociationAberdeen 

Details of the grant can be found here: https://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/awardsforallscotland