Royal Society of Biology

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Congratulations to our Plant Health Undergraduate Studentship (PHUGS) students for completing their summer research and ...
23/09/2026

Congratulations to our Plant Health Undergraduate Studentship (PHUGS) students for completing their summer research and showcasing their projects at our annual symposium today!

The students were awarded funding through a highly competitive application process to carry out cutting-edge research relating to Defra’s plant health priorities at selected host institutions: BugBiome, Canterbury Christ Church University, Forest Research, Harper Adams University, John Innes Centre, Niab, Rothamsted Research, Swansea University / Prifysgol Abertawe, The James Hutton Institute, The Sainsbury Laboratory, The University of Manchester, University of Exeter, University of Glasgow, University of Warwick, and University of the West of England.

Thank you to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Association of Applied Biologists, The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation, and the SCI Where Science Meets Business Horticulture Group for funding the 2026 PHUGS studentships!

Scroll through the images below to read five PHUGS student testimonials or learn more about the PHUGS scheme: www.rsb.org.uk/plant-health-ug-studentships

There's only a week until our 'Introduction to Journal Clubs' online webinar - aimed at secondary school teachers.Have y...
21/09/2026

There's only a week until our 'Introduction to Journal Clubs' online webinar - aimed at secondary school teachers.

Have you ever thought about setting up a Science Journal Club at school but you're not sure where to start?

A Journal Club is a discussion group where participants read, analyse, and discuss scientific research articles. It provides an opportunity for students to explore real-world science beyond the curriculum, develop critical thinking skills, evaluate scientific evidence, and build confidence in communicating scientific ideas.

📆 Tuesday 29 September, 15:30 to 16:30, online

Find out more and book your place: my.rsb.org.uk/item.php?eventid=4912

"Working out the facts and putting them in the right order is only a third of the battle. You have to stand outside them...
18/09/2026

"Working out the facts and putting them in the right order is only a third of the battle. You have to stand outside them and find the magical path through them that everyone can relate to."

Many scientists dream of writing a book with mainstream appeal, but where do you start? In the latest issue of The Biologist, nine researcher-authors give their tips.

Read the article: biologist.rsb.org.uk/from_lab_to_literature

We're pleased to announce the third of our three finalists for the School Biology Teacher of the Year Award 2026!Our thi...
17/09/2026

We're pleased to announce the third of our three finalists for the School Biology Teacher of the Year Award 2026!

Our third finalist is Robert Loveridge, Science Teacher at The Sir Robert Woodard Academy in Sompting, West Sussex.

Through his steadying and calming presence, Robert has inspired generations of students to love and appreciate the power of science, biology, and nature. His classroom is a shrine to the natural world, covered in diverse plants, fossils, and models, as well as a vertical gardening station for propagating food which he supplies to the canteen staff for use. He is a mentor to other colleagues in the science department and runs the schools' eco club, helping to drive the school to contribute to a greener world.

Congratulations Michael on being shortlisted!

Have a look at our previous posts to see our other two finalists. The winner will be announced at our Biology Week Awards Ceremony at the House of Commons on 14 October 2026.

The School Biology Teacher of the Year Award aims to recognise the very best and most inspiring secondary school and college teachers in the UK. Find out more: www.rsb.org.uk/awards-and-competitions

Have you had a look at the open access articles in the latest issue of the Journal of Biological Education?From articles...
16/09/2026

Have you had a look at the open access articles in the latest issue of the Journal of Biological Education?

From articles looking at how to measure students’ self-efficacy regarding explaining evolutionary changes to literacy challenges in Swedish biology classrooms, there's something for everyone!

Check out the latest issue today! www.tandfonline.com/toc/rjbe20/60/4

Have you signed up to our Biology Week Polar Perspectives: Exploring Antarctic Science webinar yet?We will be welcoming ...
15/09/2026

Have you signed up to our Biology Week Polar Perspectives: Exploring Antarctic Science webinar yet?

We will be welcoming a panel of speakers from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) to discuss their unique careers and the fascinating, vital research they carry out.

BAS scientists will be answering questions like:
- Why are there giants in Antarctica?
- Why do many Antarctic fish species produce their own antifreeze?
- Why do some animals not have red blood cells?
- What is blue carbon?
- And more!

📅 Friday 16 October 2026, 16:00-17:00, online

Find out more and sign up today: my.rsb.org.uk/item.php?eventid=4913 🐧

14/09/2026

Calling all teachers and technicians - don't miss the chance to join us at the inaugural National Biology Conference in November!

Run jointly by the RSB, Kew Wakehurst, and STEM Learning, this conference is a chance for teachers and technicians to hear from expert speakers and connect with other educators passionate about biology.

Watch our Chief Executive Doug Brown explain more about the event, and then book your place: www.stem.org.uk/national-biology-conference

Are you planning on taking part in our 15th Biology Week this October? It's a great way to celebrate the breadth and div...
11/09/2026

Are you planning on taking part in our 15th Biology Week this October? It's a great way to celebrate the breadth and diversity of the biosciences!

There is still time to plan your own Biology Week activity, or you can participate in one of the events listed on our website. With more opportunities being listed each week, do check back to see what’s on offer.

One particular highlight will be our STEM club talk - From Nature to Neuroscience. Aimed at 11-19 year olds (though anyone is welcome to join), attendees will hear from a panel of speakers with interesting and varied STEM careers, and have the opportunity to put their questions to the panel to discover how their science really works.

Find out more and discover other Biology Week events and resources: www.rsb.org.uk/biology-week or via the link in our bio.

We're pleased to announce the second of our three finalists for the School Biology Teacher of the Year Award 2026!Our se...
10/09/2026

We're pleased to announce the second of our three finalists for the School Biology Teacher of the Year Award 2026!

Our second finalist is Michael Noone, Head of Biology at Radley College in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.

Michael strongly believes that if you show people the natural world, they will want to look after it. So he set about creating - with students - what has come to lovingly be called 'the zoo' at school, with up to 60 species of animal that the students can hold in lessons. He has also inspired his students through dissections and fossil collections, and field work to places such as Skomer Island to see seabirds. Outside of school, he has sat on a Biodiversity Steering Group and the Parish Council, arranging visits to nature reserves and rewilding projects to encourage the protection of nature.

Congratulations Michael on being shortlisted!

Watch this space to learn about our last finalist. The winner will be announced at our Biology Week Awards Ceremony at the House of Commons on 14 October 2026.

The School Biology Teacher of the Year Award aims to recognise the very best and most inspiring secondary school and college teachers in the UK. Find out more: www.rsb.org.uk/awards-and-competitions

09/09/2026

Today's the last day to vote for your favourite in our BioArtAttack art competition!

The competition celebrates and highlights the benefits of combining art and science, and encourages young people aged 7-18 years old to draw or paint their favourite animal, plant, or fungus.

A panel of judges has shortlisted this year's entries, but we need your help to decide the winners of two categories: ages 12–14 and 15–18.

Cast your vote via our survey before 11:45pm tonight (9 September)! www.surveymonkey.com/r/bioartattackpublicvote

Thanks to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) for their support of this award.

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