The inaugural Biology Week will take place from Saturday 13th to Friday 19th October and is organised by the Society of Biology. Events across the country, from a world record attempt in schools to a debate about ‘should we save the panda’, aim to inspire the nation about biology, the science of the 21st Century.
Dr Mark Downs, Chief Executive of the Society of Biology, says: “The variety of events taking place reveals just how broad biology is – we have everything from neuroscience to dolphin science represented.
“We’ve been off to a great start with over 6,000 responses to our Flying Ant Survey, and we will present the findings during Biology Week.”
The week will also include:
A public debate at the Linnean Society about the controversies surrounding panda conservation and choosing which species to save, at 6pm on Monday 15th October. Please get in touch if you would like to attend.
- A showcase of stunning photography, themed around ‘How Biology Can Save the World’. Please get in touch if you would like copies of the shortlisted photos.
- An awards ceremony hosted by the Society of Biology, which will recognise the country’s best science communicators, from students to professors.
- A late-night opening at the Royal Veterinary College, with a live dissection, a talk about epilepsy, and hands-on activities.
- A launch event in the House of Commons.
The week reaches its climax on the Friday at 2.30pm with a nation-wide attempt to set a World Record for the largest memory game. Schools, universities and individuals up and down the country will sit a memory test, with guidance from neuroscientist Professor Bruce Hood. The results from the test will provide interesting insight into memory and false memory. We are still happy to hear from anyone who would like to take part or to act as an independent witness at a local venue.
A full run down of events is available on the Society of Biology website: www.societyofbiology.org/biologyweek
