Monthly Archives: June 2014
Striking a balance in the STEM industry
Rachel Lambert-Forsyth, director of education and training at the Society of Biology, discusses equality and diversity in STEM careers. Our world today would be unrecognisable without the scientists and engineers whose work has helped shape modern life as we know it. For this reason, it is highly important that we help the next generation of … Continue reading
In celebration of (tasty) grasshoppers
By Rebecca Nesbit, press officer at the Society of Biology, co-ordinator of the flying ant survey and BioArtAttack competition, and keen entomophagist. There is a lot to celebrate about insects, not just the services they provide for us, but the incredible feats they accomplish. As National Insect Week draws to a close, it is a … Continue reading
Is trust in scientists dependent on context?
by Francesca Soutter, policy intern at the Society of Biology On the 24th June 2014, scientists and policy makers came together at Portcullis House for Parliamentary Links Day. The agenda for was Science and Public Trust with keynote speeches by Sir Mark Walport, Rt. Hon Liam Byrne and Sir Paul Nurse, and two chaired panel … Continue reading
Parliamentary Links Day: science and public trust
By Sophie Kleanthous, intern at the Society of Biology Parliamentary Links Day is upon us once more with a whole host of key speakers, discussing trust and public engagement with science. The Society of Biology organises Links Day on behalf of the science and engineering community to build strong relationships with Parliament and MPs. The … Continue reading
Everyone’s a scientist – and here are some places to start
by Rebecca Nesbit, co-ordinater of the Society of Biology’s flying ant survey As flying ants take to the skies and the suntan cream is finally needed, it seems like time to share information on the many ways to get involved with citizen science projects. Collecting data about when and where different species can be found … Continue reading
Supporting our future scientists and engineers
Rachel Lambert-Forsyth, director of education and training at the Society of Biology, discusses the role degree accreditation can play in building the next generation of skilled life scientists. On 3rd June, I participated in a panel debate for Westminster Higher Education Forums. The topic of the event was ‘Developing the next generation of scientists … Continue reading
Anthony Carlisle: author, surgeon and discoverer of electrolysis
by Anita Sedgwick, project officer for Biology: Changing the World. The winners of the project’s ‘top ten’ poll were announced on the 9th June, and included Anthony Carlisle. Naked guardsmen and gothic novels aren’t the things that spring to mind when you’re first asked to think of a typical surgeon, but then Anthony Carlisle was far … Continue reading
Species of the week: fly agaric
As part of National Fungus Day the British Mycological Society is asking people to take part in fungi spotting and let them know if you see a fly agaric. If you would like to hold an event as part of UK Fungus Day on the 12th October (part of Biology Week) please contact admin@britmycolsoc.info Amanita … Continue reading
Grandmother wins Nobel Prize
Natasha Neill, executive officer at the Society of Biology, is leading on Biology: Changing the World. As part of the project, the public were recently invited to vote for the biologist who has most changed the world and the top ten was announced on the 9th June. To celebrate and share the stories of the … Continue reading
Zfarming and creative use of land
Today the latest edition of The Biologist has arrived with Society of Biology members. Inspired by the article Running out of Land, Rebecca Nesbit considers some options for agriculture. Less than a third of Earth’s surface is land, yet only 18% of this is suitable for agriculture. Given the size of the human population, it’s … Continue reading