Royal Society of Biology

The latest issue of The Biologist is out!

The latest issues features articles covering:
- ensuring AI literacy for all.
- an interview with Nobel Laureate Professor David Baker on designing proteins with entirely new and wildly useful functions.
- tips from best-selling authors on writing popular science books.
- the power of 'positive' climate tipping points.
- research on orca-boat interactions.
- and much more!

Read the latest articles online: thebiologist.rsb.org.uk/latest-issue

We're pleased to announce the first of our three finalists for the School Biology Teacher of the Year Award 2026!

First up, we have Dr Kimberley Swann, HPA Lead of Science and Careers Lead at Moseley Park Academy in Wolverhampton.

Through a wide range of high-quality extracurricular science opportunities, such as educational visits and a Key Stage 3 STEAM club, Kimberley enriches students' experiences beyond the classroom. She also helps colleagues develop through high-quality professional learning by providing CPD sessions, and demonstrates leadership within science teaching and learning. In addition, through training, mentoring, outreach, and collaboration, she consistently shares best practice in biology teaching beyond her own institution.

Congratulations Kimberley on being shortlisted!

Watch this space to learn about our next two finalists. The winner will be announced at our Biology Week Awards Ceremony at the House of Commons on 14 October 2026.

The School Biology Teacher of the Year Award aims to recognise the very best and most inspiring secondary school and college teachers in the UK. Find out more: www.rsb.org.uk/awards-and-competitions

We need your help!

Our BioArtAttack 2D competition celebrates and highlights the benefits of combining art and science, and encourages young people aged 7-18 years old to draw or paint their favourite animal, plant, or fungus.

A panel of judges has shortlisted this year's entries, but we need your help to decide the winners of two categories: ages 12–14 and 15–18.

Please take a couple of minutes to cast your vote via our survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/bioartattackpublicvote

Thanks to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) for their support of this award.

The latest issue of the Journal of Biological Education is out!

This issue's Editorial is 'What is missing in futures thinking in biology education?'. It argues that clear educational and assessment frameworks which move beyond systems thinking can empower students to imagine desirable futures and take action to shape them.

Read the article: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00219266.2026.2703449

Calling all secondary school teachers! Have you ever thought about setting up a Science Journal Club at school but you're not sure where to start?

Then join our 'Introduction to Journal Clubs' online webinar in September!

A Journal Club is a discussion group where participants read, analyse, and discuss scientific research articles. It provides an opportunity for students to explore real-world science beyond the curriculum, develop critical thinking skills, evaluate scientific evidence, and build confidence in communicating scientific ideas.

📆 Tuesday 29 September, 15:30 to 16:30, online

Find out more and book your place: my.rsb.org.uk/item.php?eventid=4912

Did you know that we have a YouTube channel?

With videos ranging from our Plant Health Series to our A to Z of the Biosciences careers series, there's something for everyone. In addition, many of the videos can contribute towards your CPD!

Have a look today: www.youtube.com/

Congratulations to all students receiving their today! Remember, there are many paths into the life sciences, no matter how you did. Find out how to get involved in the biosciences through competitions, citizen science, and more: www.rsb.org.uk/discover

Let's also acknowledge the vital contributions of teachers and support staff in shaping these achievements. Discover our resources to encourage students to get involved in the biosciences: www.rsb.org.uk/activity-resources

Calling all teachers! We still have a few Gopher Science Lab grants left for 2026 - don't miss out!

Gopher Science Lab supports transition from primary to secondary school with peer to peer learning across age groups. Secondary students learn how to deliver activities to primary pupils. Then those primary pupils are encouraged to deliver their own training to peers or younger year groups. This gives all participating students ownership of their learning and helps them gain confidence.

The Gopher Science Lab day includes:
- a grant of £600
- access to RSB’s Gopher Science Lab online training course
- a teacher mentor to help you train your students

A teacher who previously took part in Gopher Science Lab said, "We were delighted to find that the training materials provided by the RSB were extremely accessible and comprehensive. It was therefore a straightforward process to cascade the training down to our senior pupils."

Find out more including how to apply: www.rsb.org.uk/activity-resources

Congratulations to all students receiving their A-Level, T-Level, BTEC, and vocational grades today! Let’s also acknowledge the vital contributions of teachers and support staff in shaping these achievements!

Discover our resources to help students through university, early careers, and beyond: www.rsb.org.uk/students-early-careers