Science Fiction Foundation
| Name: | Science Fiction Foundation |
| Date(s): | 1970- |
| Profit/Nonprofit: | Nonprofit charity |
| Country based in: | United Kingdom |
| Focus: | Science Fiction Studies |
| External Links: | Science Fiction Foundation on Wikipedia; SFF Web Site |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
The Science Fiction Foundation (SFF) is a British academic charity which promotes science fiction studies, and science fiction in general. It was founded by George Hay in 1970. It was originally based in London but has moved to Liverpool University. Current patrons are Ursula Le Guin (until her death in 2018), Neil Gaiman and Professor David Southwood.
While the SFF is not involved in fandom directly, many of its activities are related to the interests of fans. They include the provision of research facilities and occasional bursaries for science fiction studies and publication of an academic journal, Foundation: The International Review of Science Fiction. The SFF has also published several critical works, the best known of which is probably Terry Pratchett: Guilty of Literature (2000) edited by Andrew M. Butler, Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn. Others have covered Doctor Who, Babylon Five, and various authors. It sponsors an annual lecture at the Eastercon convention and promotes science fiction at other events such as the Worldcon.
The SFF and the British Science Fiction Association hold their Annual General Meetings jointly as a free mini-convention, usually in May or June.