News archive
New register to recognise excellent biology teachers
The Society of Biology is now able to offer members or Fellows who teach sciences in the UK the opportunity to obtain chartered science teacher status (CSciTeach) under licence from the Science Council.
Scientists concerned that culture of research can hinder scientific endeavour
Aspects of the culture of research in UK higher education institutions (HEIs) can encourage poor research practices and hinder the production of high quality science, according to scientists who took part in a project exploring the ethical consequences of the culture of research led by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics.
Response to Autumn Statement: science can deliver economic growth
The Society of Biology welcomes Chancellor George Osborne’s support for science in his Autumn Statement, but highlights the need for continued recognition that science can deliver enhanced growth to the economy.
A level reforms devalue important practical skills says science education community
SCORE has responded to a video letter, sent by chair of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee Andrew Miller MP, to the Minister for School Reform, Nick Gibb MP, asking him to rethink changes to the assessment of practical work in the sciences at A level.
Biology remains most popular science A level for females
Five times the number of female university applicants in 2013 had an A level in biology compared to physics, according to analysis released by UCAS last week.
An international response to infectious disease research
An international panel discussed what the UK can learn from the US and Europe about biosecurity, and the risks and benefits of dual-use research, which has the potential to be used to cause harm, at the Society of Biology yesterday evening.
Innovation and GM: managing risk and supporting UK Life Sciences
This week the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Mark Walport, released his first annual report: Innovation: Managing Risk, Not Avoiding It, looking at approaches to risk and uncertainty in the context of innovation.
Biology Now event covers breadth of life sciences
The Society holds its first one-day conference, Biology Now, with talks covering a vast array of bioscience from the way DNA is packed into a cell to the macroeconomics of the natural world.
Valuing our Life Support Systems: Will accountants save the world?
Richard Spencer, head of sustainability at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, suggested that the accountancy profession might be the ones who will “save the world” by insuring that broader issues than finance are taken into account on balance sheets, at the second Valuing our Life Support Systems summit last week.
Abolition of EC chief scientific advisor role ‘blow to evidence-based policy making’
The European Commission's most senior scientific role, that of chief scientific adviser (CSA) to its president, has ceased to exist despite considerable support for the post from the scientific community.
Investment in undergraduate practical skills essential
An Audit of Practical Work undertaken by undergraduate bioscience students across the UK higher education sector, has found that the majority of university staff have grave concerns that further erosion of resources would have significant effects on the UK biosciences graduate skills base.
Scottish schools struggling to teach science due to lack of resources
Pupils in state schools in Scotland are not being provided with the science equipment and resources they need to meet the requirements of the curriculum, new research suggests.
Society of Biology joins AllTrials
The Society of Biology is pleased to announce its support for clinical trials reporting and the aims of AllTrials.
Biology Week 2014 a huge success
Last week we celebrated the biggest Biology Week yet, with over 100 events and activities all over the UK and beyond.
Fellow's research helps paralysed man to recover function
A man who was paralysed from the chest down following a knife attack can now walk using a frame, following a pioneering cell transplantation treatment developed by a Fellow of the Society of Biology.
New app reveals how biology changed your world
‘Biology: Changing the World’ is a new app from the Society of Biology which brings the world around you alive with famous research, history, people and places.
Starling Murmuration Survey Launches
Today, the Society of Biology launches the Starling Murmuration Survey to learn about these magnificent aerial displays and help investigate the species decline.
Red-Eyed Tree Frog Wins Inaugural Nancy Rothwell Award
A colourful red-eyed tree frog, Agalychnis Callidryas, is the winning image of the inaugural Nancy Rothwell specimen drawing competition, as announced yesterday evening at the Royal Veterinary College, London, as part of Biology Week.
Keep faith in UK science excellence, says Greg Clark MP
"Excellence in the biosciences requires we keep faith with the reputation this country has for science excellence" said Greg Clark MP last night (15th October) at the Biology Week Parliamentary Reception.
Society Awards Celebrate Biology Books and Art
A science group for 11 year olds, an Indian amateur photographer and a broadsheet journalist were among the range of winners recognised at the Society’s annual Biology Week Awards last night.
Rat dissection and honeybee animations win BioArtAttack competition
The Society of Biology is pleased to announce the winners of their BioArtAttack competition.
UK biologist scoops 2014 Nobel Prize
John O’Keefe, May-Britt Moser and Edvard Moser have been awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, for their discoveries of specific cells that control the brain’s 'GPS system'.
Society signs diversity and equality declaration
The Society of Biology is a signatory of the Science Council's Declaration on Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, which launches today.
Society elects eminent new Fellows
This week the Society of Biology elected 500 new members including 49 new Fellows.
Book Award Shortlists Announced
Shortlists for the annual Society of Biology Book Awards have been announced!