About this day
For A-level, IB, BTEC Level 3 and T Level biology students
Join us at Biology in Action this autumn 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)
“Great speakers. Interesting subjects and good links to student prospects and routes to education/careers”
— Wellington School , Autumn 2024 —
Programme & speakers
Seismic Safari: The hidden language of elephants Alice Morrell, Wildlife Biologist, University of Oxford
What if you could feel a conversation through your feet? Join Alice on a Seismic Safari to discover how elephants use vibrations to communicate – and how AI is helping us decode their hidden language beneath the ground.
About Dr Alice Morrell
Alice is a scientist at the University of Oxford where she uses AI to decode elephant seismic communication. She is also a presenter and science comedian, taking her shows to festivals such as Green Man, Glastonbury and the British Science Festival.
From Bench to Biotech: Translating Gene Therapy into Treatments Bobby Gaspar, CEO, Orchard Therapeutics
Bobby will introduce gene therapy and share his journey from clinical practice to industry, highlighting how research translates into treatments and the diverse career paths available in healthcare and biotech.
About Professor Bobby Gaspar
Bobby is a world-renowned scientist, physician and leader with over 25 years of experience in medicine and biotechnology. He is co-founder and CEO of Orchard Therapeutics, recently acquired by Kyowa Kirin with the goal of delivering new gene therapies to patients around the globe.
More Than a Meal: Food, health and the modern world Yanaina Chavez-Ugalde, Research Fellow at the Centre for Food Policy
Food is more than fuel — it shapes our health, society, and future. This talk explores how the food industry has evolved over the past 50 years and the impact modern diets are having on our health. You’ll also discover the wide range of careers in food science — and how these professionals shape what ends up on our plates.
About Dr Yanaina Chavez-Ugalde
Yanaina is interested in the complex dynamics of the commercial food system and health. Her work examines the effects of ultra-processed food consumption on youth’s health and the overlap between ultra-processed foods and foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt. She is working on co-producing solutions to create healthier food environments for all.
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.
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.