About this day
For A-level, IB, BTEC Level 3 and T Level biology students
Join us for an exciting day of informative discussions, interactive sessions and inspirational stories at Biology in Action this autumn. From advancements in genetics to environmental challenges, 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: Greg Foot (Science Journalist, Presenter and Podcaster) Exam Session: Lauren Edwards (Primrose Kitten)
“Topics were close to the curriculum, current and widened student views on biological studies”
— Blackheath high school, Autumn 2023 —
Programme & speakers
Everest Lab Greg Foot, Science Presenter and Communicator
What happens to your body when you push it somewhere it’s not built to go – to the top of the world? Join Greg Foot on a scientific adventure to the world’s highest pop-up lab at Everest Base Camp. With stunning videos from his trek, Greg will uncover how a group of scientists and medics braved the thin freezing air to perform cutting edge research.
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.
Epigenetics - why DNA is not your destiny Nessa Carey, Entrepreneur-in-residence, University of Oxford
DNA is the basic script for who you are, but it doesn’t define you. Epigenetics explains how the environment and your genes communicate with each other, setting up patterns of gene expression that can mean the difference between a healthy old age or an early death from cancer, between mental well-being or drug addiction and much more.
About Dr Nessa Carey
Nessa Carey is an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at The University of Oxford, a Visiting Professor at Imperial College and author of 3 popular science books; The Epigenetics Revolution, Junk DNA: A Journey Through The Dark Matter Of The Genome and Hacking The Code of Life.
From genome to surgeon's table - tales from the oesophagus Tim Underwood, Professor of GI Surgery, University of Southampton
Join Tim to discover how genomics is allowing early detection of oesophageal cancer, uncovering the biology behind this disease and enabling life-saving surgery and treatment to be targeted to the individual.
About Professor Tim Underwood
Tim is Professor of Gastrointestinal Surgery and co-lead of the Innovation for Translation Research Group (ITRG), University of Southampton. His team focus on understanding the response to therapy in a range of solid tumours, and the development of new treatments that target the tumour microenvironment, including immunotherapy.
Guardians of the Poles: Why the Arctic and Antarctic Matter Mark Brandon, Professor in Polar Oceanography, The Open University
Often seen as the “last untouched wilderness,” the polar regions are far from desolate. Join Mark as he explores the stunning beauty of the poles, shares his experiences working on cross-disciplinary science projects in these environments, and delves into the unique survival strategies of polar animals. Discover how these regions are vital to our climate system, why their preservation is crucial, and practical steps we can take to protect them.
About Professor Mark Brandon
Mark is an Antarctic and Arctic researcher with extensive fieldwork in both. He’s worked on The BBC series Frozen Planet I and II, and Blue Planet II, given evidence in the UK Parliament on the Arctic and was a Special Adviser to the Environmental Audit Committee in the House of Commons. In 2020 he was honoured with an MBE for services to polar science, and in 2024 awarded The Polar Medal.
Sounds Like Chicken: How could human ears benefit from being more bird-like? Rachel Williams, Neuroscientist and Science Communicator, University College London
Mammals have a problem: from severed spinal cords to lost limbs, we’re rubbish at regenerating our body parts. However, some animals can replace the types of cells that we cannot. Together, we’ll explore the underlying biology and its potential applications.
About Dr Rachel Williams
Rachel is a neuroscientist researching the science of the senses, currently focused on hearing. Rachel has featured on broadcast, live, and livestreamed events for clients including the BBC, Wellcome Collection, and Cheltenham Science Festival.