Royal Society of Biology

04/08/2025

Do you want to provide specific support to underrepresented communities to work or study in the biosciences? Could you share the lessons from your experience, research, or initiatives, and enable best practices to increase participation and representation across educational and professional stages?

Then apply for an Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Culture (EDIC) Grant!

The RSB, the UK Society for Extracellular Vesicles, and The Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists are dedicated to promoting inclusive, accessible, and diverse participation in the biosciences. Through the EDIC grant, we aim to support the creation of a bioscience environment that attracts and benefits from the broadest possible range of experiences, skills, and qualities.

Find out more and apply today: www.rsb.org.uk/edic-grant.html

01/08/2025

With so little known about the deep sea, is it possible for any nation or institute to carry out the research necessary to make a call on how deep-sea mining can affect our oceans? If not, how do we fill these gaps in our knowledge?

As researcher Sam Wenaas Perrin explains, the race is on to collect and synthesise data on Norwegian Sea ecosystems before deep-sea mining begins.

Read the article from the latest issue of The Biologist: thebiologist.rsb.org.uk/biologist-features/mapping-earth-s-final-frontier

31/07/2025

We're pleased to be supporting Teesside University's Discover BIOScience Day through our Regional Events Grants.

This interactive event will explore the world of biosciences through hands-on experiments and engaging activities, and is designed to inspire curiosity, promote scientific literacy, and engage a diverse audience in the fundamental techniques of biological research.

Find out more and book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-discover-bioscience-day-get-hands-on-in-a-biology-lab-tickets-1422058428039

Ever wondered what goes on in a biology lab? Find out at Discover BIOScience Day—come have a go at being a biologist!

30/07/2025

We're hiring!

We're looking for a Careers Officer who will be responsible for supporting the RSB's professional development programme through administration, evaluation, and development. The successful candidate will help to ensure that the objectives in the RSB business plan are met, with an emphasis on developing and delivering events, resources, and other careers support to meet the needs of our members and the wider scientific community.

Find out more and apply by 19 August: my.rsb.org.uk/services.php?section=jobs&jobid=144

29/07/2025

Help us celebrate the biosciences with Biology Week!

Running from 11-19 October 2025, Biology Week celebrates and raises the profile of the biosciences, and the important work that bioscientists are doing.

Help us achieve our vision of a world that understands the true value of biology and how it can contribute to improving life for all by putting on a Biology Week event!

If you need inspiration, you can explore our events calendar or download our event planning ideas guide. If you've already planned an event for Biology Week that you would like us to help promote, then you can fill in our Biology Week events form and we will add it to our Biology Week calendar.

Find out more: www.rsb.org.uk/biology-week.html

24/07/2025

The Hardy Orchid Society's conservation grants are now open for applications: hardyorchidsociety.org/HOSCG/HOSCG.html

.....A Hardy Orchid Society Conservation Grant may be able to help you achieve your objectives.

22/07/2025

The Big Butterfly Count 2025 is here and butterflies need our help! 🦋🚨

Butterflies are indicators of a healthy natural environment, but they are in trouble.

Last year, we declared a Butterfly Emergency after results revealed a marked and deeply concerning decline in butterfly numbers, the lowest in the Count’s history.

That’s why this year, we’re not just launching a survey, we’re launching a nationwide rescue mission, and we need everyone to get involved.

No lab coats. No science degrees. Just 15 minutes of your time. ⏱️

Get out for the count 👉 bigbutterflycount.org

21/07/2025

Do you want to hear what experts do in the fascinating worlds of immunology, biotechnology, and deep sea exploration?

Then join our Zoom event during Biology Week and take the opportunity to put your questions to the panel to discover how their science really works!

Find out about:
- Why snot is good and other ways in which the body fights against germs - Dr Donald Palmer FRSB, Associate Professor of Immunology at the The Royal Veterinary College (RVC)
- Nature's Secret Agents: Using Biotech to Power a Greener Future - Professor Diane Purchase CBiol FRSB, Professor of Environmental Biotechnology at Middlesex University
- Exploring life in the deep ocean: discovering new species and what we can learn from them - Professor Jon Copley, Professor of Ocean Exploration and Science Communication at the University of Southampton

This event is ideal for anyone aged 11-19, their teachers, and after school STEM clubs, but is open to everyone at any age. Inspire your students and help to motivate the next generation of bioscientists!

📅 Tuesday 14 October 2025, 15:30 to 16:30

Find out more and book your place: my.rsb.org.uk/item.php?eventid=4596

17/07/2025

"...for all of the rigour of modern taxonomy, publishing scientific names has a surprising lack of quality control."

Darren Naish explores how 'taxonomic vandals' are causing harm and confusion in scientific naming in the latest issue of The Biologist.

Read it here: thebiologist.rsb.org.uk/biologist-features/taxonomic-trolling

15/07/2025

We're excited that our wonderful Biology Week will be returning this October!

Running from 11-19 October 2025, there will be a variety of events hosted in-person and online throughout the week - including some exclusive events for our Fellows and members.

Our Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Susie Rabin, says: “Biology Week is a pivotal time to bring together people from across the biosciences – both in education and industry – to share their knowledge, inspire others, and hone in on the importance of the biosciences to all. I’m looking forward to getting involved in this year’s amazing events and hope we see widespread engagement again this year.”

Now is the time to start signing up to our events and begin planning your own!

Find out what’s on and how to get involved: www.rsb.org.uk/rsb-gears-up-for-biology-week-2025

09/07/2025

It's great to see Flying Ant Day getting some press coverage! Here are just some of the latest articles:

- www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/flying-ant-day-why-appear-date-swarm-b1011867.html
- www.the-independent.com/news/science/flying-ant-day-2025-when-uk-b2781068.html
- metro.co.uk/2025/07/02/drivers-warned-take-care-avoid-seagulls-appear-drunk-23559802/
- www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/picture/2025/jun/27/stephen-collins-cartoon-flying-ant-day

Have you seen any flying ants yet? Let us know using ! 🐜

‘Nuptial flight’ sees insects rise up and take to the air in huge swarms to mate and seek out new colonies