News archive
Young scientists quiz key political figures at VOF 2014
The Universities and Science Minister David Willetts today defended the Coalition's record on science funding, science education and skills shortages in the face of questions from young scientists and engineers.
Results of the 2014 Public Attitudes to Science survey
Findings from the 2014 Public Attitudes to Science survey reveal a more positive perception than was found two years ago. This is the fifth in a series of studies looking at the UK public’s attitudes to science, scientists and science policy.
Winners announced for the 2014 SET for Britain awards
Graham Robertston, 26, a biomedical engineer at the University of Strathclyde, won the gold award at SET for Britain in the House of Commons for the excellence of his research.
Society of Biology prize goes to pupils making sustainable clothes
Four pupils from the Isle of Man have received the Society of Biology Prize at the UK’s prestigious National Science and Engineering Competition.
Council for Science and Technology releases GM crops report
Today, a new report on genetically modified (GM) crops was released by the Council for Science and Technology (CST). It states that GM crops have now been shown to be safe, and calls for more UK field trials and a change to the regulatory process.
Debate on the potential of the Human Genome Project
The Society of Biology is an event partner in a debate on 3rd April about the potential of the Human Genome Project. The event is hosted by the professional advisory firm KPMG and +91 Europe.
Early-career researchers present their work in Parliament
For the largest national event of its kind, 210 early career scientists, engineers and mathematicians will arrive in Parliament on Monday 17th March to exhibit their ground-breaking research to politicians during SET for Britain 2014.
Photography competition open for entries
Every year the Society of Biology runs an amateur photography competition for inspiring images which explore biology and the natural world. The theme for this year’s competition is ‘Home, habitat and shelter’ and entries will be accepted for the two categories – adult and under 18 – until 31st July.
Book Awards open for entries
The Society of Biology Book Awards celebrate outstanding textbooks aimed at undergraduates and postgraduates and general biology books. Authors of exceptional books in the fields the life sciences are encouraged to submit their work.
Science Communication Awards open for entries
The Society of Biology Science Communication Awards are intended to reward outreach work carried out by young scientists and established researchers to inform, enthuse and engage sections of the general public. The 2014 Awards are now open for applications from bioscience researchers at UK universities or institutes who are involved in science communication.
Society of Biology visit to Hong Kong
The British Council has invited the Society of Biology to take part in its Science Alive event in Hong Kong. This year’s theme is ‘The Code of Life’, and the events in March are designed to inspire children and adults.
Regional grant scheme launched
The Society of Biology has launched a new regional grant scheme, and we invite all our members to apply for grants to run biology events across the UK.
Gains and losses announced in funding decisions for 2015 to 2016
The announcement of the science and research funding allocations for 2015 to 2016 brings not only a welcome end to budgeting uncertainty, but an even more welcome end to the recent series of ‘flat cash’ settlements.
BIS launches new plan to reduce use of animals in research
The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills has today published a cross-departmental policy paper, Working to reduce the use of animals in scientific research, which recognises and supports the well-regulated use of animals in research where necessary, alongside the science-led approach to reduce their use.
British Biology Olympiad 2014 – record entry numbers!
A record 5057 students from 492 schools took part in the 2014 British Biology Olympiad (BBO).
Certificates and medals will be posted to schools over the next few weeks. Medal winners will also be invited to an awards ceremony at the Royal Society in June where Professor Alice Roberts will be the guest speaker.
Shortlist for the 2014 School Biology Teacher of the Year Award
The Society of Biology is pleased to announce the shortlist for the 2014 School Biology Teacher of the Year Award. The award seeks to identify and to recognise the very best and most inspiring biology teachers in 11-18 education.
Report published on Women in Science Careers
The Society of Biology welcomes the House of Commons Science & Technology report on Women in Science Careers published today (6th February 2014).
“Biology: Changing the World” wins Heritage Lottery Fund support
Today, the Society of Biology has received £69,200 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for Biology: Changing the World, a project inspiring and celebrating great biologists around the UK. Led by the Society of Biology, in partnership with BBSRC, who are also providing £20,000 of financial support, the project will be supported by regional volunteers and the bioscience community.
Shortlist of HE Bioscience Teacher of the Year 2014 announced
The Society of Biology is pleased to announce the shortlist for the 2014 Higher Education (HE) Bioscience Teacher of the Year Award.
UK risks losing out without improved investment in plant science
Today, the report UK Plant Science: Current status and future challenges is launched by the UK Plant Sciences Federation (UKPSF), a special interest group of the Society of Biology.
Members and Fellows represented in leading scientists list
The Science Council has published a list of 100 leading practising scientists, to highlight the contributions of scientists to society and the UK economy.
The list includes scientists working in policy, education, business and communication, along with research scientists in academia and industry. We are delighted to see so many of our Fellows and members represented.
Six African women scientists receive complimentary membership
In the January membership election, we elected six African women scientists to become members of the Society, complimentary for five years, through our partnership with African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD). These six are all recipients of an AWARD fellowship.
Society of Biology granted Chartered Science Teacher licence
The Society of Biology is very pleased to have been granted a 5 year licence by the Science Council to award Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach) status.
Eight Society of Biology Fellows in New Year's Honours list
The Society of Biology is delighted that eight of its Fellows have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list 2014.
British Biology Olympiad deadline extended
The British Biology Olympiad (BBO) deadline has been extended to 17th January 2014. Schools are invited to register their students for the BBO, for which the first round takes place in schools between Monday 20th and Tuesday 28th January 2014.