“People, science and society” is the theme of the annual Festival of Science organised by the British Association for the Advancement of Science at Norwich Research Park, September 2-9. Frances Cairncross, rector of Exeter College, Oxford University, and former management editor of The Economist’, will give a presidential address on what social science can do for the sciences. More than 150 events will include discovery days, workshops and debates for school groups aged eight upwards.

Tel: 0870 770 7101

www.the-ba.netthe-ba

The Earth Science Teachers’ Association’s annual conference will at Bristol University, September 15-17. It will include primary and secondary workshops, lectures and field excursions. Professor Mike Benton will give the keynote lecture on mass extinctions.

Tel: 07732 913812

www.esta-uk.org

The Association for Science Education’s annual conference will be at Birmingham University from January 4-6, 2007.

For details contact Barbara Mahmoudi

Tel: 01707 283008

Email: conferences@ase.org.uk www.ase.org.ukhtmconferences

Find out about the science, technology and applications of polymers (plastics and rubbers) at Horners Polymer teachers’ study tours this summer. Venues: London Metropolitan University, June 18-21; Bradford University, June 21-24; Napier University, June 25-28. Fee: pound;100 (pound;600 sponsorship is provided by the Horners Educational Trust and other organisations).

For details contact Lareen Jolly Tel: 01707 283008

Email: lareenjolly@ase.org.uk

www.ase.org.uk

EVENTS

Registration is available for free entry for secondary groups to the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition at 6 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1, July 4-6. Exhibits include: Stars ‘r’ us: the cosmic chemistry connection; hydrogen - fuel of the future?; and why do midges and mosquitoes bite some people more than others? To check availability contact Bonnie Laverock Tel: 020 7451 2561

www.royalsoc.ac.ukeducation

Check out last year’s exhibition at this website, which aims to attract 16 to 19-year-olds to scientific research:

www.royalsoc.ac.uklanding.asp?id=3500

COMPETITIONS AND AWARDS

The Royal Astronomical Society invites 7 to 14-year-olds to create a newspaper by July 17 exploring the scientific and cultural importance of the discovery of intelligent life on a planet orbiting a distant star. Pupils aged 14 to 19 are invited to write an article discussing the implications of such a discovery.

Email: newspaper@ras.org.uk

www.ras.org.uk (education)