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: Helen Pilcher (Author and Science 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
Health Meets Tech - The Future of Medicine Videha Sharma, Clinical Innovation Lead, Pankhurst Institute, University of Manchester
Technology has transformed how we live our lives, so how can it improve healthcare and the NHS. We must find new and innovative ways to counter the growing pressure on our public health services. Videha will share his unique perspectives of working across medicine and technology, highlighting how this can be super rewarding and impactful.
About Dr Videha Sharma
Videha is a surgeon by background and the Clinical Innovation Lead for the Pankhurst Institute for Health Technology Research and Innovation at the University of Manchester. He works at the intersection of medicine and technology and is passionate about impacting lives by exploring new and exciting ways of improving health and care!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.