About this day
For A-level and IB students
Join us for an exciting day of informative discussions, interactive sessions and inspirational stories at Biology in Action this autumn. From CRISPR technology to the impact of climate change, our experienced speakers will shine a light on cutting-edge research and current issues from the world of biology.
The day will also include a special session on examination success designed to provide students with the tools that they need to excel. With polls and quizzes throughout the day and plenty of opportunities to ask the scientists questions, this is an unmissable day, and we look forward to welcoming you and your students. Book now for Biology in Action!
Host: Greg Foot (Science Presenter and Communicator)
“Great variety of talks – Our students really enjoyed listening and gained a lot from the experience. Thank you!”
Biology Teacher, March 2023
Programme & speakers
Rainforest Lab Greg Foot, Science Presenter and Communicator
What is it like to climb to the top of the Amazon rainforest canopy? Join Greg Foot on the trip of a lifetime to discover the cutting-edge research being done at The Tambopata Research Centre. Also hear about the impact local gold mining and illegal logging is having on the rainforest and the goal to protect at least 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030.
About Greg Foot
Greg is a Science Journalist who has been writing, hosting & producing science content for 15+ years across TV, Radio, YouTube, Podcast, & Stage. He currently writes & hosts his popular BBC 4 show and podcast Sliced Bread and is a regular on BBC Morning live.
Epigenetics - why DNA is not your destiny Nessa Carey, Entrepreneur-in-residence, University of Oxford
DNA is the basic script for who you are, but it doesn’t define you. Epigenetics explains how the environment and your genes communicate with each other, setting up patterns of gene expression that can mean the difference between a healthy old age or an early death from cancer, between mental well-being or drug addiction and much more.
About Dr Nessa Carey
Nessa Carey is an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at The University of Oxford, a Visiting Professor at Imperial College and author of 3 popular science books; The Epigenetics Revolution, Junk DNA: A Journey Through The Dark Matter Of The Genome and Hacking The Code of Life.
Pathogens, Plagues and Prehistory Pooja Swali, PhD student at The Francis Crick Institute & Science Communicator
This is not the first time our species has been plagued by diseases and pandemics. Evidence of infectious diseases is littered throughout historic literature, art and text. A small handful of these diseases even go as far as leaving visual evidence on bones, only to be uncovered by archaeologists thousands of years later.
About Pooja Swali
Pooja recently completed her PhD in Ancient Pathogen Genomics from the Francis Crick Institute investigating the evolution and spread of pathogens in history, where she identified the earliest evidence of plague in Britain.
Transforming Trauma James Piercy, Science Communicator
In the last 15 years the number of people dying from major trauma has halved. James explains how understanding blood clotting has driven the improvement and explains how current research is aiming to save even more lives.
About James Piercy
James Piercy works as engagement and involvement manager at Queen Mary University London and is a science communicator, trainer and consultant. He spends much of his time encouraging patient involvement in medical research and has spoken at school and festivals around the world.
The Unusual Suspects Lucy Eckersley, Royal Society of Biology, Wildlife Presenter & Photographer
Disease has impacted us all immeasurably over the past few years, but how does disease affect wildlife and ecosystems? From curiously crusty frogs to a bewildering link between Californian driveways and seal deaths in Hawaii… Can you help Lucy solve some of the strangest mysteries from across the Animal Kingdom?
About Lucy Eckersley
Lucy is a freelance science communicator, presenter and wildlife photographer. Her scientific background is in wild animal biology where she studied wild cats in a collaboration between the Royal Veterinary College and London Zoo.