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
Saving Our Insects Dave Goulson, University of Sussex
Insects are vital, fascinating, weird and wonderful. They are food, pollinators, recyclers, pest controllers, and much more, so we should be deeply concerned that they are in rapid decline. Dave Goulson will explain the many causes of insect decline, and then turn to the solutions of this crisis.
About Prof Dave Goulson
Dave Goulson is Professor of Biology, specializing in bee ecology. He has published more than 350 scientific articles, plus seven books, including the Sunday Times bestsellers A Sting in the Tale (2013), the Garden Jungle (2019), and Silent Earth (2021). He also founded the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
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.
Life as a genomic ophthalmologist is very double stranded! Mariya Moosajee, Clinician Scientist in Ophthalmology
Genomics is an exciting field, with huge advances in genetic diagnostics and therapeutics. In this talk Maryia will share the decisions that led her to become dual trained as a Clinician and Scientist specialising in the field of Genetic Eye Disease. She will provide insights into her research and how it intertwines with the clinical care she provides her patients.
About Professor Mariya Moosajee
Mariya Moosajee is a Consultant Ophthalmologist in Genetic Eye Disease at Moorfields Eye Hospital, Professor of Molecular Ophthalmology at UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, and Group Leader of Ocular Genomics and Therapeutics at the Francis Crick Institute.
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.