News archive
School Biology Teacher of the Year Award winner announced
Mrs Bev Goodger CBiol MSB, a teacher at Sir John Deane's College, Northwich, has been presented with the Society of Biology School Biology Teacher of the Year Award. The award identifies and recognises the very best and most inspiring biology teachers in the country.
Regulations drafted for new IVF technique
The Government announced today that it is drafting new regulations for an IVF technique which would prevent mitochondrial disease from being passed down from mother to child. The technique uses mitochondria from a donor and nuclear DNA from both parents.
Infrastructure investments
After yesterday’s Spending Review announcement promised ‘flat cash’ for science, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander today provided more detail on the ‘£300 billion’ of guaranteed capital spending by the end of the decade.
Awards ceremony recognises young scientists’ achievements
Today, over 130 students will receive medals and certificates to recognise their achievements in the British Biology Olympiad and the Biology Challenge at an awards ceremony at the Royal Society, London.
Space Camp winner announced
Congratulations to our BioNet member Madeleine Kavanagh who has been selected as the winner for our space camp competition.
'Flat cash' for science in the Spending Review
In today's Spending Review, Chancellor George Osborne rightly highlighted the importance of science and innovation to the life of the nation, to quality of life and to economic growth, stating 'investment in science is an investment in our future'. In addition to recognising the importance of spending on infrastructure by increasing the capital budget, the Chancellor highlighted that intellectual capital is essential.
Parliamentary Links Day sets a trend
The Society’s annual Parliamentary Links Day was a huge success, with MPs, ministers, representatives of the science community and Twitter users discussing diversity in science.
Parliamentary Links Day gets underway
MPs and ministers are discussing science and diversity at the largest science event on the annual Parliamentary events calendar today.
Society of Biology will celebrate newly accredited degrees at annual awards ceremony
Bioscience degrees at the University of Manchester, the University of York and the Royal Veterinary College have been accredited by the Society of Biology in the first wave of accreditations since the programme’s pilot in 2012.
Environment Minister speaks in favour of GM
This morning, Environment Minister Owen Paterson gave a speech addressing the potential role GM technology could play in reducing both hunger and environmental degradation. The Society of Biology and its special interest group the UK Plant Sciences Federation welcome the speech.
AstraZeneca stretegic centre to be located at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Yesterday AstraZeneca announced that its new UK-based global research and development centre and corporate headquarters will be located at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. By 2016, approximately 2,000 employees will be working at the site.
Science Minister hears directly from learned societies
Last week, David Willetts MP, the UK's Minister for Science and Universities, hosted a meeting with senior figures from five of the UK's leading scientific societies, organised by the Society of Biology. The meeting on Monday 10 June provided an opportunity to stress the importance of investment in science and technology.
Society of Biology to respond to GCSE reform consultations
Today Michael Gove announced details of the GCSE reform planned to come into place in August 2015. The Department for Education is now seeking views on proposed subject content and assessment objectives for new GCSEs, and the Society of Biology will be responding through SCORE.
Society of Biology sets new World Record
The Society of Biology has set a new record for the world's largest memory game. At 14:30 on Friday 19th October 2012, 2,109 people at 40 venues in the UK, plus one in Bahrain, simultaneously played a 10 minute memory game. Venues included schools, science centres and universities, and alongside the game participants learnt about the neuroscience behind the game.
Francis Crick Institute launches its strategy
The strategy states its ambition to pursue discovery without boundaries, to create future science leaders and expand the talent pool, to work effectively with university partners and other collaborators, to focus on translating its science to benefit health and wealth, and to engage and inspire the public.
HUBS Spring Meeting 2013
The HUBS Spring Meeting is held annually and focuses on learning and teaching in the biosciences. The 2013 meeting was held on the 24th-25th April at Chicheley Hall, Buckinghamshire. Day one of the meeting featured a session on the transition from A level to university before the award of the 2013 HE Bioscience Teacher of the Year. The focus of the meeting on day two was how learned societies can work together in higher education.
Society of Biology signs the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment
The Society of Biology has signed the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment, a global initiative that calls for better evaluation of research outputs, including not just peer-reviewed research articles, but intellectual property, trained scientists, data and more.
Ash dieback: research, funding and policy news - 28 May 2013
Chalara fraxinea (Chalara ash dieback) updated pest risk analysis
As C. fraxinea represents a substantial threat to the UK’s forests, Forest Research prepared a risk assessment, which described the nature and extent of that threat and possible risk management measures.
BioNet members: Win a week at Space Camp
We are offering one lucky BioNet member the chance to spend a week at space camp. In partnership with the ISSET (International Space School Education Trust), we are sending one student to King's College London to take part in Mission Discovery; a residential space camp, including 4-night stay from the 15th – 19th July.
State of Nature report shows dramatic declines
A State of Nature report will be launched this evening by Sir David Attenborough. The report is a collaboration between 25 UK conservation and research organisations, and shows that 60% of species studied have declined in the last 50 years.
UKPSF responds to RHS Horticulture Matters report
A report released today by the Royal Horticultural Society reveals a drastic shortage in skills across the UK horticultural sector. The RHS surveyed 200 horticultural businesses and found that over 70% cannot fill skilled vacancies. The report, ‘Horticulture Matters’, is being presented to the Government today.
2nd International Fascination of Plants Day: 18th May 2013
The second international Fascination of Plants Day takes place on Saturday 18 May 2013, featuring events around the world to celebrate the importance of plants in our lives and landscapes. At least 35 UK events are planned - from hands-on activities and interactive exhibits, to guided walks, talks and debates.
Sheffield professor wins HE Bioscience Teacher of the Year Award
Professor Tim Birkhead FRS was yesterday announced as the Higher Education Bioscience Teacher of the Year at an awards ceremony held at the HUBS Spring Meeting, Chicheley Hall, Buckinghamshire.
Animal Research
The Society of Biology supports the use of animals in research when properly regulated and when no alternatives are available. We actively support progress towards a reduction in the use of animals by refining experiments and developing new ways to minimise the use of and replace animals wherever possible – often referred to as the 3Rs.
Reaction to the EU ban on neonicotinoids
Insect pollination is vital for the productivity of many crops, including beans and soft fruit, and for certain wild flowers. Native bee species are an integral component of our fauna and as such we should protect them.