About this day
For A-level, IB, BTEC Level 3 and T Level biology students
Join us at at the Royal Northern College of Music for Biology in Action this autumn where an inspiring day that brings biology to life awaits you and 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: Helen Pilcher (Science Writer and Presenter) Exam Session: Lauren Edwards (Primrose Kitten)
“Great speakers. Interesting subjects and good links to student prospects and routes to education/careers”
— Wellington School , Autumn 2024 —
More speakers and sessions for this exciting event will be announced soon!
Programme & speakers
Lessons from Lobsters: why some of us get cancer and others don't Charlotte Mykura, Epigeneticist and Doctor
Lobsters, elephants, naked mole rats. All charismatic. All beautiful. But fascinatingly, all incredibly unlikely to develop cancer. What protects this intriguing bunch from cancer? Can we apply their methods of cancer protection to humans?
About Dr Charlotte Mykura
Charlotte is an epigeneticist, doctor, science communicator and comedian. She explores how the vibrant world within the nucleus of our cells guides health and disease – whether it’s at festivals, on stage, to camera or in the classroom.
Rebuilding Reefs: how to restore the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems Tim Lamont, Marine Biologist, Lancaster University
Tropical coral reefs are amongst the world’s most unique and valuable ecosystems – but also amongst the most damaged. Tim’s research focuses on coral reef restoration – he will talk about developing new techniques to rebuild damaged reefs, and taking inspiration from projects around the world that are striving to ensure a future for these iconic ecosystems.
About Dr Tim Lamont
Tim is a marine biologist at Lancaster University, whose research focuses on coral reef ecology and restoration. He works primarily on reefs in the Coral Triangle (South-East Asia), aiming to understand how healthy ecosystems function and how we can most effectively restore degraded reefs.
The Science of De-extinction Helen Pilcher, Author and Science Communicator
Can we really bring extinct species back to life — and should we? In this thought-provoking talk, science writer Helen Pilcher explores the cutting-edge genetics behind de-extinction. From woolly mammoths to misunderstood wolves, she unpacks the science, the ethics, and the surprising twists in our quest to reverse extinction.
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, Life Changing: How Humans are Altering Life on Earth and This Book May Cause Side Effects.
Medtech on the brain James Piercy, Science Communicator
Step into the world of medical innovation with brain injury survivor James Piercy. James will showcase the cutting-edge devices that are being developed and tested by the Healthtech Research Centre in Brain Injury, and discuss how new solutions are identified, evaluated and implemented into patient care pathways.
About James Piercy
James Piercy is Patient Public Involvement and Engagement Lead for the Healthtech Research Centre in Brain Injury and a science communicator, trainer and consultant. He spends much of his time encouraging patient involvement in medical research and has spoken at schools and festivals around the world.
Nothing in Biology Makes Sense Laurence Hurst, Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath
Evolution by natural selection might seem obvious — so why study it? In this thought-provoking talk, discover how the genomic revolution is offering fresh insight into evolution and deepening our understanding of what it means to be human.
About Professor Laurence Hurst
Laurence Hurst is an author, presenter and academic specialising in understanding how genes evolve and applying that information to medicine. A passionate communicator on all subjects genetical and evolutionary, he is the author of one popular science book, “The Evolution of Imperfection: the science of why we aren’t and can’t be perfect”