Subject

12

Date & time

Thu, 12 Nov 2026
10:00 - 15:00

Venue

University of Warwick
Gibbet Hill Rd
Coventry, CV4 7AL

Ticket price

£24.50 + VAT @20%* *Plus one complimentary staff ticket per ten students

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, Presenter 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

Everest Lab Greg Foot, Science Presenter and Communicator

What happens to your body when you push it somewhere it’s not built to go – to the top of the world? Join Greg Foot on a scientific adventure to the world’s highest pop-up lab at Everest Base Camp. With stunning videos from his trek, Greg will uncover how a group of scientists and medics braved the thin freezing air to perform cutting edge research.

Greg Foot

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.

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?

Lewis Dartnell

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.

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.

 

Helen Pilcher

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.

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.

 

Helen Scales

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.

What is biofortification and why do we need it? Cathie Martin, Professor at John Innes Centre

This talk will explore the general principles of biofortification, why it is important to improve the nutrient content of the food we eat, and some of the steps needed to achieve biofortified products that are adopted by consumers.

Cathie Martin

About Professor Cathie Martin

Cathie is a group leader at the John Innes Centre and Professor at the University of East Anglia. Her interests span from fundamental to applied plant science. She researches into the relationship between diet and health and how crops can be fortified to improve diets and address the global challenge of escalating chronic disease.