Founded in 1831, the British Association for the Advancement of Science represented the organized efforts of the British scientific community to transition science from a self-funded endeavour of the wealthy into a government-funded profession central to social and economic development. The organization held an annual meeting in a different city each year, where scientists pioneered the practice of peer review by presenting new ideas and discoveries, debating theories, and publicizing their work. This event attracted most of the prominent UK-based scientists of the 19th and 20th centuries.

In 2009, the BAAS was renamed the British Science Association (BSA). The new organization has built upon the original mission of placing science at the heart of society, culture, and education. It now focuses on increasing the number, diversity, and range of people actively engaged in scientific studies, activities, and developments.