Letter: Boffins and hacks

Sir: The main objective of the British Association for the Advancement of Science is to promote the public understanding of science and to encourage young people to take part in the field. A week that saw a further decrease in the quality of science A-level passes in the UK highlights this as a laudable cause.

The reference in 'Scientists go back to the future' (24 August) to a 'gathering of assorted boffins' reinforces the stereotype that largely underlies the problem - the image of scientists as Quatermass extras. If all scientists are boffins, does this mean that all journalists are hacks?

Yours sincerely,

TIM FRANCE

London, SW15