News archive
Synthetic biologists gather in London
Starting today, the Synthetic Biology UK conference, jointly organised by the Biochemical Society and the Royal Society of Biology, will provide a focal point to showcase UK synthetic biology research, to build the research community in the field and to engage with the wider society.
Increase in GCSE students studying science
Students from across the country collected their GCSE results yesterday. There was positive news with the number of students taking STEM (science technology engineering and maths) subjects increasing.
Biology students succeed at A level
Around 300,000 students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland collected their A level results today. Biology continues to be the third most popular subject behind only mathematics and english.
Sixth form cuts threaten science A levels
A levels in science look set to be a major victim as sixth form colleges across England face Government funding cuts which could fundamentally risk their survival.
Scotland to ban growing GM crops
Scotland is to ban the growing of genetically modified crops, the country's rural affairs secretary has announced.
RSB launches poll to find the UK’s favourite insect
Insects are vital for human life on earth but they are often overlooked. The Royal Society of Biology has launched a poll to discover the UK’s favourite insect.
Governments must act now if serious climate risks are to be averted
The Royal Society of Biology has joined with 23 other leading UK institutions to call on national governments to take immediate action in order to avert the serious risks posed by climate change.
Home Office will not interfere with bona fide use of psychoactive substances in research
The Society welcomes the Home Office recognition that the new Psychoactive Substances Bill should be so drafted as to ensure it does not place barriers in the way of bona fide research.
UK students win four medals at International Biology Olympiad
Four UK students have been awarded medals at the International Biology Olympiad in Denmark.
Science should not be seen as only vocational, says Walport
The Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Mark Walport has called for a change in the way science is taught and the way scientific careers are perceived.
UK to host International Biology Olympiad 2017
The International Biology Olympiad (IBO), which brings together winners of National Biology Olympiads from over 60 countries, will be held in the UK in 2017.
Oxford Teacher Wins School Biology Teacher of the Year Award
Dr Paul Weeks from Oxford High School has won the 2015 Secondary School Biology Teacher of the Year Award. The Society of Biology award recognises outstanding biology teaching inside and outside of the classroom.
Concerns over Psychoactive Substances Bill
The Academy of Medical Sciences, along with the Society of Biology and other organisations have written to the Home Secretary, Rt Hon Theresa May MP, to highlight concerns over unintended but damaging consequences for medical research of the Psychoactive Substances Bill.
Too many businesses unaware of impact of declining natural capital
Last night researchers, business leaders and policy makers came together to discuss the valuation and stewardship of our natural capital at the Natural Capital Initiative (NCI) ‘Valuing our Life Support Systems’ summit report launch.
New Science Minister sets out priorities
The newly appointed Minister of State for Universities and Science, Jo Johnson MP has said that developing collaboration between academia and business will be among his main priorities during the next parliament.
Society Fellows and members in Queen's Birthday Honours list
Five distinguished Fellows and members of the Society of Biology have been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, announced on Monday.
Society of Biology welcomes EU decision to keep Directive on protection of research animals
Yesterday, the EU Commission replied to the "Stop Vivisection" European Citizens' Initiative, rejecting their proposal to ban animal research in the EU. In a fourteen page long response, the EU Commission lists current initiatives and sets out a number of further actions that the Commission will take to speed up the development of valid alternative approaches.
Thousands raised for biology as David Attenborough delights
The Society of Biology raised nearly £20,000 to support its charitable aims last night, as Sir David Attenborough captivated an audience of nearly 500 guests at the Science Museum in London.
Society of Biology and German Life Science Association comment on EU plans for science advice
Recently, the EU Commission endorsed Commissioner Moedas' recommendation to set up a mechanism for the “best possible evidence-based policy”, coordinated by a group of high-level independent scientists and an in house Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) group.
UK celebrates plant power
Today botanic gardens, research labs, schools, museums and farms are opening their doors to the public for the third Fascination of Plants Day.
Society of Biology granted Royal title
We are delighted to announce that the Society of Biology has been given permission to become the Royal Society of Biology.
New Government presents challenge for science community
Reacting to the UK General Election, Dr Mark Downs FSB, chief executive of the Society of Biology said:
“The shear scale of change in this election is a significant challenge for many. The science community will have to work even harder to ensure that new parliamentarians understand the critical role science...
Animal welfare controls essential for good research
The Stop Vivisection European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) is calling on the European Commission to repeal European Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and to ban all research using animals.
Professor Dominic Wells FSB, Chair of the Animal Science Group, a special interest group of the Society of Biology, spoke today in support of the Directive.
Travel grants awarded to Society members
The Society of Biology has awarded nine travel grants so that budding biologists can undertake important study abroad.
Dr Mark Clements named HE Bioscience Teacher of the Year
Dr Mark Clements from the University of Westminster, has won the Society of Biology’s prestigious Higher Education Biosciences Teacher of the Year Award 2015.