About this day
For A-level, IB, BTEC Level 3 and T Level biology students
Join us at Biology in Action for an inspiring day that brings biology to life for your KS5 students. Top scientists and professional from across the field of biology will share their passion and insight, shining a light on cutting-edge research and current scientific issues.
The day also includes a special session on exam success, giving students practical tools and tips to help them excel. With personal anecdotes, interactive polls and plenty of opportunities to put questions directly to the speakers, Biology in Action is an unmissable day. Book now to secure your places!
Host: Greg Foot (Science Journalist and Podcaster) Exam Session: Leah McClure (A-level Biology Teacher)
“Thought-Provoking and well-run. A great opportunity for pupils to hear from experts in the field!”
— Wellington School , Autumn 2025 —
Programme & speakers
Exploring the living ocean Helen Scales, Marine biologist and writer
Dive into the world of marine biology, discover species and ecosystems that will blow your mind and find out why the ocean matters to all of life on earth.
About Dr Helen Scales
Dr Helen Scales is a marine biologist, broadcaster and writer. She has a PhD in coral reef ecology and teaches at Cambridge University. She writes for the Guardian and National Geographic Magazine. Her latest books include What the Wild Sea Can Be and Oceanopedia.
From genome to surgeon's table - tales from the oesophagus Tim Underwood, Professor of GI Surgery, University of Southampton
Join Tim to discover how genomics is allowing early detection of oesophageal cancer, uncovering the biology behind this disease and enabling life-saving surgery and treatment to be targeted to the individual.
About Professor Tim Underwood
Tim is Professor of Gastrointestinal Surgery and co-lead of the Innovation for Translation Research Group (ITRG), University of Southampton. His team focus on understanding the response to therapy in a range of solid tumours, and the development of new treatments that target the tumour microenvironment, including immunotherapy.
Astrobiology – The Hunt for Alien Life Lewis Dartnell, University of Westminster
‘Astrobiology’ is the scientific search for life beyond our planet. Tour the planets and moons in our solar system which may offer the best hope, and further afield to alien worlds we’ve discovered around distant stars. Are we alone in the cosmos?
About Professor Lewis Dartnell
Lewis is an astrobiologist studying how microbial life might persist on the surface of Mars. He appears regularly on the BBC, National Geographic and Discovery channels.
Inside the human body Samuel Piri, The Dissection Guy, UK wide
In this talk I will take the audience through the dissection of a real head, brain, eye, spine, trachea, lungs, heart, stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver & gall bladder to reveal what the organs really look and feel like as well as how they function to keep most sophisticated machine in the universe alive -you. I will look at common disease states and link the anatomy to the main A Level biology exam specifications.
About Samuel Piri
Sam has over 15 years experience in training healthcare professionals anatomy through hands on dissection of real specimens. He is the creator of VIVIT -the worlds only semi-synthetic human cadaver. He works with dozens of universities, the NHS & the UK Government simulating post-mortems for education purposes. As a former teacher, his programmes extend to cover GCSE & A Level sciences to get students excited about anatomy & physiology.
Is it worth it? Helen Pilcher, Author and Science Communicator
There are only two northern white rhinos left. Saving them will involve some cutting-edge biology, but it’s going to be challenging and very expensive. So, is it worth it? Which species would you choose to save, and which would you let go? Join Helen as she discusses the dilemmas posed by modern day conservation.
About Dr Helen Pilcher
Dr Helen Pilcher is a tea-drinking, biscuit-nibbling science and comedy writer. Her books include Bring Back the King: the Science of De-extinction and Life Changing: How Humans are Altering Life on Earth and This Book May Cause Side Effects.