Europe’s largest public science event is returning to Bradford for the first time in more than a century.

The British Science Festival will be hosted by the University of Bradford in September, 2011.

Organised annually by the British Science Association (BSA), the festival brings together more than 350 of the UK’s top scientists, engineers and commentators to discuss the latest developments in science and technology with the public. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to join them.

The festival has been staged almost every year since 1831 and has twice been hosted by Bradford – though way back in 1873 and 1900.

BSA chief executive Roland Jackson said: “We’re thrilled to be returning, on our third visit since 1831, to Bradford; a diverse city with thriving cultural and educational institutions.

“This major national event, in the full gaze of the media, will draw public attention to the latest developments in science and technology, and will stimulate discussion about their implications and the place of the sciences in modern culture.”

University vice-chancellor Professor Mark Cleary said: “We’re delighted that the university will be hosting the British Science Festival in September, 2011. The science agenda is of course an important one for Government and fits with the academic footprint of the university.”

Bradford Council leader, Councillor Ian Greenwood, said: “The festival is a great opportunity for all of us, especially children and young people, to learn more about the latest developments in science and technology. The festival will also bring many visitors to Bradford and boost our local economy.

“The country’s leading scientists, engineers and science commentators will receive a warm welcome in Bradford where we are proud of our diversity, proud of our past and confident in our abilities to build a prosperous shared future.”

Among the festival’s most iconic moments were the first use of the word ‘scientist’ in 1834 and a famous debate about Darwin’s theory of evolution between Thomas Huxley and the Bishop of Oxford in 1860.

The BSA’s newly-announced president-elect for 2011, astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, will deliver her presidential address at the festival in Bradford on the theme ‘Science and culture – science as culture’.

The event is being supported by partners including Bradford Council, Bradford College, Yorkshire Forward and Space Connections Enterprises. Organisations, institutions and businesses are invited to submit proposals to contribute to the event.

For more information, visit britishscienceassociation.org