Get involved in Biology Week

The Society of Biology is currently organising its second ever Biology Week, which will take place from 12 - 18 October 2013.

Biology Week is a celebration of all aspects of the biosciences, and will feature events for everyone from children to professional scientists. It is hoped that as many people as possible will take part – either by participating in an event or by arranging their own event.

Some highlights of Biology Week will include:

Saturday 12 October

Big Biology Day in Cambridge organised by the Society of Biology East Anglia branch. This is a hands-on biology day for all members of the family.

Sunday 13 October

Celebrate UK Fungus Day (organised by the British Mycological Society) by joining one of the many local events and trips taking place across the UK.

Monday 14 October

Dr Mike Leahy is spending the week taking his rainforest bus to schools, and his first appearance is on Monday at the Royal Institution.

Tuesday 15 October

Attend a panel debate at the Royal Institution on how modern knowledge of genetics and behaviour might influence decisions about criminal responsibility.

Thursday 17 October

Awards evening for the Society of Biology photography, science communication and book awards and top students from the Society’s accredited degree courses.

Friday 18 October

Schools across the UK will be taking part in an assembly discussing food security.

The Physiological Society is organising Physiology Friday, a day of events exploring physiology.

Professor Adam Hart will also be giving a 24 hour lecture on the wonder of ants and bees, and it is hoped that as many people as possible will take part in the Society’s house spider survey (which has a corresponding ‘Spider in da house’ app for iPhone and android). The Society will also be announcing the results of its second annual flying ant survey, which aims to ascertain whether flying ants appear at the same time in different parts of the UK, and to investigate what weather conditions encourage ants to fly.

Rebecca Nesbit at the Society of Biology would like to hear from organisations and individuals who are keen to take part in Biology Week 2013; for more information please get in touch with Rebecca Nesbit: telephone 0207 685 2553, email, or visit the website.

The Society of Biology – supporting life sciences

The Society of Biology is a single unified voice for biology, representing a diverse membership of individuals, learned societies and other organisations. It supports more than 13,000 individual members, advises Government and influences policy, while working to advance education and professional development, developing its programme of accredited degree courses and encouraging public interest in the life sciences.

In addition to proactively supporting the future of the life sciences, members have access to a range of valuable benefits, including:

• A free subscription to the award-winning magazine, The Biologist, featuring opinion and features on topical issues in science and biology research, together with interviews with prominent biologists.  
• The Society regularly publishes electronic bulletins to keep members up to date with developments in science policy, biology education and the Society’s work at international, national and regional levels.
• A range of membership grades is available to match members’ professional expertise, and exclusive post nominal letters demonstrate to all that you are a professional biologist, well qualified and subject to a rigorous code of conduct.
• Professional registers, including Registered Science Technician, Registered Scientist, Chartered Biologist and Chartered Scientist, together with a credits-based Continuing Professional Development programme, aim to enhance the recognition, status and employability of members.
• Access to a network of over 13,000 biologists, and invitations to a range of networking events around the UK, as well as online networking opportunities.

The Society offers a range of membership grades to ensure that anyone can get involved – from the enthusiastic amateur to high-level professionals and academics.

For further information on becoming a member please email. Please quote reference LabMate to receive a 25% discount on your first year’s membership.