King's Leaders join BSA board

The BSA selected both to help drive the Association’s mission of supporting, growing and diversifying the community of people interested and involved in science. The move further recognises King’s contribution to the world of science and is an embodiment of the BSA’s vision - of a world where science is seen as part of culture.

Deborah Bull, Assistant Principal (Culture & Engagement) at King’s College London, takes up the role of Vice President for Cultural Development, a new BSA team formed after the organisation’s strategic review. Professor Louise Archer, known for her work on the ASPIRES project is appointed as Vice President for Education, succeeding Rev. Professor Michael Reiss, who finished his six-year term in September 2015.

Deborah Bull, Assistant Principal (Culture & Engagement) said ‘I am delighted to be joining the British Science Association and look forward to working with colleagues at the Association to integrate science ever more effectively within culture and society. I've long been fascinated by the interconnectedness of science and the arts and have often worked at the interface between the two: from the BBC2 series The Dancer’s Body, which explored the science of dance, to my current role at King’s College London, where we are developing Science Gallery London. This innovative space will open in 2017, bringing together researchers, students, local communities and artists in new and imaginative ways to stimulate fresh approaches to contemporary challenges.

‘Although arts and science have often been seen as two separate cultures, I hope that my past experience and current role will help to support the BSA to bridge this perceived gap and champion the value of science to culture and society.’

Professor Louise Archer, Professor of Sociology of Education at King’s, said ‘I have known about the BSA for some time now, and have always valued their work with young people and in education. My own research at King's College London looks at the development of young people's science identity and career aspirations, and I believe that my past experience in this area will be a great help as I support the BSA achieve its vision. I am also interested in the identities and inequalities of race, gender and social class within the education system, so I am very excited to see the outcomes of the BSA's latest audience mapping and development of programmes for underserved audiences.

‘I really look forward to working with the BSA in this new role, in particular with the Education team there, and look forward to becoming an advocate for science as a fundamental part of our culture and society in the UK.’

David Willetts, Chair of the British Science Association and a Visiting Professor at the Policy Institute at King’s said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Deborah and Louise to their roles of Vice Presidents. They each have a tremendous level of expertise, not only in their own fields, but more broadly across their sectors.

‘These high profile appointments speak volumes about the ambitions of the BSA as we endeavour to raise our profile and deliver against our new vision of a world where science is seen as a fundamental part of culture and society.  I am very much looking forward to working with them.’