SCORE response to Department for Education consultation on performance descriptors for use in key stage 1 and key stage 2 statutory teacher assessment for 2015 / 2016
18 December 2014
SCORE of which the Society of Biology is a member, has responded to the Department for Education consultation to give feedback on the performance descriptors that are to be used in science at key stage 1 and key stage 2.

UK Plant Sciences Federation response to the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee inquiry into the future of Kew Gardens
1 December 2014
In its response to the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee inquiry into the future of Kew Gardens, the UKPSF highlighted the importance of Kew’s scientific role to the UK environment, health and economy, to our overseas commitments and international standing. We recommend that funding should be sufficient to assure Kew’s independence and freedom to fulfil its scientific, educational and cultural obligations and to maintain its standing as a unique centre of scientific excellence and international cooperation for the study of plants and fungi.

Society of Biology response to the Smith Commission investigating further devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament
30 October 2014
The Society submitted into to the Smith Commission, established to investigate further devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament post-referendum. The Society urged that the scientific funding current structure be maintained and overall funding for science increased to maintain competitiveness and research leadership for the continued success of the life science sector in Scotland.

Society of Biology response to the Takeover Panel inquiry into Post-offer undertakings and intention statements
27 October 2014
The Society responded to the Takeover Panel's inquiry with reference to the potential Pfizer/AZ merger case and the joint statement we issued which called for the interests of the science community to be taken into consideration.

Society of Biology response to the Independent Review of the Implementation of RCUK Policy on Open Access
22 September 2014
The Society responded to the review of the implementation of the Research Councils UK (RCUK) policy on open access. We presented an over-arching view of the landscape, focusing on three questions posed by the Review: the impact on learned societies; the effectiveness of the communication of the policy; and the impact on the wider OA landscape.

SCORE response to Carter Review of Initial Teacher Training (England): Call for Evidence
22 September 2014
SCORE responded to the Carter Review call for evidence from the Department for Education regarding Initial Teacher Training in England.

UK Plant Sciences Federation response to BBSRC / MRC Vulnerable Skills Survey

05 September 2014
The UKPSF highlighted vulnerabilities in plant science skills in the UK.

Society of Biology response to the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills consultation on a Science & Innovation Strategy
05 August 2014
The Society responded to the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills inquiry on the upcoming Science & Innovation Strategy, which aims to coincide with the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement 2014. We asked for a strategy which is long-term,  inclusive and skills-focussed, and supports the business environment in the UK.

SCORE response to the Department for Education's consultation on the draft programme of study for Key Stage 4 in science
25 July 2014
SCORE responded to the most recent consultation on key stage 4 reforms in science, calling for coherence and consistency between the key stages and across the sciences.

Society of Biology response to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills consultation on the Proposals for long term Capital Investment in Science and Research
07 July 2014
The Society responded to the consultation on Capital Investment in Science, highlighting the need for a mixed portfolio of investment which is researcher-led and supported by funding for training, upkeep and resources.

Society of Biology response to the Commons Science and Technology Select Committee inquiry into GM foods and application of the precautionary principle in Europe
05 May 2014
The Society responded to the inquiry of Genetically Modified foods and the application of the precautionary principle in Europe which regulates it. This response also synthesises the discussions made at a Policy Lates event on this topic.

Society of Biology response to the Scottish Parliament's Education and Culture Committee inquiry into Scotland's Educational and Cultural Future
05 March 2014
The Society responded to the Further and Higher Education theme of the Committee's inquiry into Scotland's Educational and Cultural Future. Our response focused on issues surrounding research funding and immigration policies.

Society of Biology response to the Lords Science and Technology Select Committee inquiry into International STEM students
25 February 2014
The Society responded to the Committee's inquiry into international STEM students, highlighting the importance of international students to the culture and economic viability of Higher Education Institutions in the UK.

Society of Biology response to the Department for Transport consultation on Advanced Fuels
07 February 2014
The Society has written a letter to the Department for Transport following their call for evidence on Advanced Fuels. The letter highlights the importance of the life sciences in the development of advanced fuels, not only for developing new technologies, but also defining the skills and enabling public dialogue on forthcoming policies. For more information on advanced fuels, particularly algal biofuels, see our Biofuels pages.

Responses to the Ofqual consultation on the new A level requirements:

SCORE response to the Ofqual consultation on proposed A level Regulatory Requirements

17 January 2014
The Society has responded, through SCORE, to the Ofqual consultation on the new A level regulatory requirements. Concerns highlighted in the response include the need for assessment to be developed coherently alongside content, the separation of the assessment of practical skills in the A levels, and a call to postpone the introduction of the new science A levels by at least a year.

HUBS response to the Ofqual consultation on proposed A level Regulatory Requirements

17 January 2014
The Heads of University Biosciences (HUBS), a special interest group of the Society of Biology, have submitted a response to the Ofqual consultation that supports the SCORE position. HUBS are also concerned about the current proposal that a student's ability to directly undertake practical work will be assessed and reported separately from their A level grade.