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 and Podcaster)
“Thought-Provoking and well-run. A great opportunity for pupils to hear from experts in the field!”
— Wellington School , Autumn 2025 —
Programme & speakers
From Specimens to Skeletons: Reconstructing Pathogen Evolution with Ancient DNA Pooja Swali, UCL Genetics Institute
Humans and the microbes that infect us have been evolving together for thousands of years, each shaping the other in an ongoing biological arms race. While we know a great deal about diseases today, their deeper origins and past behaviour often remain a mystery. By analysing ancient DNA from skeletons, alongside genetic material preserved in museum collections, we can trace how pathogens emerged, spread, and changed over time.
About Dr Pooja Swali
Pooja is a Research Fellow working on pathogen genomics at University College London, and previously completed her PhD at the Francis Crick Insitute in Ancient Genomics. Her research focuses on the retrieval, metagenomic detection and analysis of pathogen genomes from ancient and historical samples to trace their evolutionary journey across time.
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 and Life Changing: How Humans are Altering Life on Earth and This Book May Cause Side Effects.
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.
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.
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.