Forward planning release from the BA

Binge-drinking teens, food concerns and the nature of attractiveness

The BA Festival of Science will be in Liverpool from 6-11 September, bringing over 350 of the UK's top scientists and engineers to discuss the latest developments in science with the public. In addition to talks and debates at the University of Liverpool, there will be a host of events throughout the city as part of the European Capital of Culture celebrations.

Each year, the Festival generates hundreds of media stories in the UK and beyond.

Here is just a taster of what's to come at the Festival…

• Sustainability through science – the BA Presidential Address with Sir David King

• What am I eating exactly? – How much do we really understand about what's in our foods?

• Faces, words and attractiveness – it's not all about physical attributes

• Txt crimes, sex crimes and murder: the science of forensic linguistics

• The importance of touch – from artificial fingers to pleasurable stroking

• The cultural evolution of human groups: from the development of ethnic identities to why human societies modernise

• Alcohol, binge drinking and cognitive processes: why are some young people drinking heavily, and what long-lasting effects could it be having on their brains?

• Should creationism be a part of the science curriculum?

• Isotopes: silent witnesses to Earth history – helping to reveal when complex animal life first appeared

The BA will be operating a Press Centre at the Festival from 8-11 September, sponsored by AstraZeneca, providing desk space, access to telephones, internet PCs and interview rooms with ISDN lines. Registered journalists will have access to embargoed speakers' papers online a fortnight before the event and will be able to attend press conferences with the key speakers at the Festival.

To register for access to embargoed speakers' papers and to the Press Centre itself, please visit www.the-ba.net/pressregister. Registration is now open.

Please note that there will also be a press launch for the Festival on 4 September 2008 in the Dana Centre, London, where key speakers from the Festival will be previewing their talks.

For further information about the BA Festival of Science, including an online programme and information on accommodation in Liverpool, visit www.the-ba.net/festivalofscience.

This year's BA Festival of Science is organised by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) in partnership with the University of Liverpool. It is supported by the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills, the Liverpool Culture Company and the Northwest Regional Development Agency. The Press Centre at the BA Festival of Science is sponsored by AstraZeneca.

1. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) is the UK's nationwide, open membership organisation that exists to advance the public understanding, accessibility and accountability of the sciences and engineering. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK, including National Science and Engineering Week, the annual BA Festival of Science, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive programme for young people in schools and colleges. The BA also organises specific activities for the science communication community in the UK through its Science in Society programme. For more information, please visit www.the-ba.net.

2. Images of the BA Festival of Science can be obtained from the BA Press Office.

3. The President of the BA for 2008-2009 is Sir David King KB ScD FRS. He is Director of the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment at Oxford University and Director of Research (Chemical Physics) at Cambridge University. He served as the UK Government's Chief Scientific Adviser and Head of the Office of Science and Technology from October 2000 until December 2007.

4. The University of Liverpool is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive institutions in the UK. It attracts collaborative and contract research commissions from a wide range of national and international organisations valued at more than £108 million annually. For more information visit www.liv.ac.uk.

5. The Liverpool Culture Company was established by Liverpool City Council in 2000 to lead the city's bid to be European Capital of Culture 2008. In June 2003, following a two-year nationwide competition featuring 12 cities, Liverpool was chosen as the UK's representative for 2008. The programme for 2008 includes more than 350 events and festivals – many of which are free – delivered in collaboration with major cultural institutions, artists, performers and venues throughout Liverpool and beyond. For more information visit www.liverpool08.com.

6. The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for: supporting business growth and encouraging investment; matching skills provision to employer needs; creating the conditions for economic growth; connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure; and promoting the region's outstanding quality of life. For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk.

7. The Northwest Science Strategy 2007 – 2010, developed by the Northwest Science Council, which brings together businesses, universities and other science partners in the region, aims to have the greatest impact over the medium term (4-5 years). It will help to shape the growth of existing companies and the formation of new ones, and help to meet the science and technology needs of regional businesses through co-ordinated efforts across the science base. The strategy focuses on three underpinning 'foundations' (SKILLS; EXPLOITATION OF SCIENCE; and INTERNATIONALLY EXCELLENT SCIENCE BASE) and six strategic 'pillars' (AEROSPACE; BIOHEALTH; CHEMICALS; NUCLEAR; EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES; AND STRATEGIC SCIENCE SITES). The foundations of our Science Strategy are the building blocks for the generation and application of new scientific insights. They help to create the climate in which globally competitive, sustainable and successful businesses can emerge and prosper. www.northwestscience.co.uk