News archive
Big Biology Day is a BIG success
Biology Week 2013 was kick started by the Society of Biology East Anglia branch's Big Biology Day held at Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge on the 12th October. This was the second year that Ian Harvey and Amanda Burton have run the Big Biology Day, and following on from the success of last year, this year was double the size, with an estimated 1000 people attending.
A successful 24 hours of ants and bees
Biology Week 2013 got off to an exciting start with the 24 hour lecturethon, given by ecologist and science communicator Professor Adam Hart from the University of Gloucestershire. It started at 18:00 last Sunday and continued throughout the early morning, to 18:00 the following day, with lectures being broadcast around the world.
£400 million boost for science and engineering teaching
Science and engineering teaching at English universities will receive a £400 million boost and a particular focus on encouraging women into these subjects, universities and science minister David Willetts announced on 30th September.
Applications for accreditation exceed expectations
Demand for accreditation continues to grow.
Best Biology Student at SET awards wins with plant pathology study
Last night Michelle Hulin from the University of Bath was announced as the winner of the Best Biology Student 2013 in the SET Awards at a ceremony held at Kensington Town Hall, London.
Society signs Singapore agreement
The Society of Biology and BioSingapore have signed a reciprocal agreement.
Photography Competition Shortlist Announced
We are pleased to reveal that judging has taken place for the Society of Biology's annual amateur photography competition and the shortlist has been announced.
Book Award Shortlist Announced
We are delighted to reveal the shortlisted entries for the inaugural Society of Biology Book Awards.
Manchester Uni does the double
The Society of Biology Science Communication Awards are an annual event intended to reward outreach work carried out by young scientists and established researchers to inform, enthuse and engage the public. There are two categories of awards and this year both winners are from The University of Manchester.
Society announces new president
Professor Dame Jean Thomas Hon FSB will succeed Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell Hon FSB as the Society’s president.
A celebration of accredited degrees
Accreditation of bioscience degrees at the University of Liverpool, University of Manchester, Royal Veterinary College, and the University of York was celebrated at the annual Degree Accreditation Awards Ceremony, on the 4th September.
Lost opportunity in A level review
SCORE has serious concerns about the decision by Ofqual to push ahead with introducing new science A levels for first teaching in September 2015.
The decision is based on evidence presented in Professor Mark Smith's report on A level reform, published on Friday 6th September.
Honorary Fellow shortlisted for People's Portrait award
Colin Blakemore, professor of neuroscience and philosophy and Honorary Fellow of the Society of Biology, has been shortlisted as a nominee for the BBC One Show's People's Portrait award.
Flying ant sightings continue into September
This year sightings of flying ants began early, but more are still being seen at the start of September, unexpectedly late. The Society of Biology's flying ant survey has seen sightings continuing for over 5 weeks around the UK.
Government urged to recognise learned societies' role in A level reforms
The Council for Science and Technology has sent a letter to education secretary Michael Gove proposing learned societies should act as mediators in the Government's move to increase the influence of universities on science A levels.
GCSE results show increase in pupils sitting biology
Following yesterday's announcement of GCSE results, the Society of Biology is encouraged to see that the number of students for biology has increased for another consecutive year, representing an on-going shift towards the separate sciences.
House spider app launched
Each autumn the number of spiders seen indoors suddenly increases as males go on the hunt for a mate. The Society of Biology has launched a new recording scheme and is asking everyone who sees house spiders to report their sightings. The app 'Spider in da House' is available in the Android and Apple app stores, and records can be submitted online.
A level results announced
The Society of Biology congratulates all students who today received results for biology A level. With almost 64,000 students sitting biology A level this year, it was the most popular science. For those candidates who didn't make their grades, the Society of Biology's education team are on hand to give advice about applying through clearing and alternatives to university.
Urban bee hives not the answer
An article in the current edition of The Biologist, explained that the boom in urban beekeeping is not the answer to honeybee declines. The high density of hives could even be bad for honeybees and other flower-visiting insects as it risks overtaxing the available nectar and pollen supply, and potentially encourages the spread of diseases.
Flying ant peak on Thursday 1 August
Flying ants were sighted early this year and were seen regularly in the last week of July. A large peak, however, came on Thursday 1 August. Sightings were reported from around the UK, with particularly high numbers in Manchester and Sheffield. Closer analysis of data from the flying ant survey will reveal regional patterns.
Evidence needed for the Business Task Force
The UK Bioindustry Association (BIA) is asking for evidence that identifies concrete examples of European rules, regulations and practices where reform could benefit British business.
Reaction to the Agri-Tech Strategy
In July 2013 the Government announced its £160 million Agri-Tech strategy. The UK has some of the world's leading agricultural scientists, and we are pleased that the Government has chosen to invest in their work.
24th International Biology Olympiad Update: Our students won 3 Silvers and a Bronze
Four of the UK's most gifted sixth form students competed against some of the top young biologists from around the world at the 24th International Biology Olympiad (24th IBO) in Bern, Switzerland last week.The team returned to the UK on Sunday with three silvers and a bronze medal.
Flying ants appear early
The UK's black garden ants (Lasius niger) are currently taking to the air in spectacular style, earlier than usual. Records are coming in for the Society of Biology's flying ant survey, and more are needed. Last year's survey revealed not one but two main flying ant days, and it may be that we see the same in 2013.
Mission Discovery: welcome to space camp
This week, International Space Summer Education Trust's (ISSET) Mission Discovery has arrived at King's College London, offering around 200 students the opportunity to hear first-hand and learn from NASA's top astronauts what it's really like to go into space.