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Royal Society of Biology
@rsb.org.uk
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The Royal Society of Biology is the membership organisation for biologists and biology enthusiasts worldwide. www.rsb.org.uk
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rsb.org.uk
Season’s Greetings from the Royal Society of Biology!

We’re taking a short break for the holidays – the office will be closed until Monday 5 January.

Please note that our social media will not be monitored during this time.

Thank you for all your support in 2025!
A redwing (bird) perched on a branch laden with red berries. The text says Season's Greetings!
December 24, 2025 at 3:03 PM
rsb.org.uk
With housing, agriculture, and nature all competing for space in the UK, life science must play a bigger role in land-use decision-making, writes Kieran Woof in the latest issue of The Biologist.

Read the full article: thebiologist.rsb.org.uk/biologist-op...

#TheBiologist #LandUse
No room for error
England's land use
thebiologist.rsb.org.uk
December 23, 2025 at 9:00 AM
rsb.org.uk
Don't miss our Laboratory Health and Safety (& COSHH) course in February!

It will address laboratory health and safety management and risk assessment essentials, focusing in particular on COSHH Regulations.

📆 Mon 9 Feb, 9:30 to 17:00

Find out more: my.rsb.org.uk/item.php?eve...

#Training
A gloved hand picking up one of many test tubes. Text says RSB training, Lab health and safety (& COSHH), 9 February, online via Zoom
December 22, 2025 at 9:01 AM
rsb.org.uk
What skills have you developed as a lecturer? Members from our early career lecturers group, ECLBio, discuss the importance of reflecting and logging the skills you use in the latest issue of #TheBiologist.

Read the full article: thebiologist.rsb.org.uk/biologist-op...

#EarlyCareer
More than just a scientist
Transferable skills for early career scientists
thebiologist.rsb.org.uk
December 19, 2025 at 9:01 AM
rsb.org.uk
Save the date for the next Heads of University Biosciences (HUBS) annual meeting!

Hear from diverse and influential voices in higher education as they explore the theme 'Biosciences at the Crossroads'.

📆 2 – 3 June, Leeds Beckett University

Registration opens 2 Feb.
People networking outside. Text says HUBS annual meeting 2026: 'Biosciences at the Crossroads', 2-3 June, Leeds Beckett University
December 18, 2025 at 3:02 PM
rsb.org.uk
Have you ever wondered how to become a bird keeper?

Watch Amelia Bailey's A to Z video where she explains what her job as a macaw keeper entails, what qualifications you need for her role & what advice she has for future biologists.

Watch the full video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GG0G...
December 18, 2025 at 9:01 AM
rsb.org.uk
Are you a biologist with an interest in commercialising your research, or with a general interest in entrepreneurship? Then join our Core Business Skills for Biologists course!

📆 There are 3 sessions on 28-30 Jan but you don't need to attend all 3.

Find out more: my.rsb.org.uk/item.php?eve...
A 3D image of a city. Text says RSB training, core business skills for biologists, 28-30 January 2026, online via Zoom
December 17, 2025 at 9:04 AM
rsb.org.uk
There's still some spaces available on our online research ethics course in February!

- Fundamental principles of research ethics
- Relevant examples
- Practical guidance on seeking & applying for an ethical opinion

📆 Mon 23 Feb, 9:30-13:00, online

Book your place: my.rsb.org.uk/item.php?eve...
A person wearing PPE looking at a petri dish. Text says RSB training, research ethics, 23 February 2026, 9:30-13:00, online
December 16, 2025 at 8:44 AM
rsb.org.uk
Are you looking for an introduction to membership and professional registration with the RSB? Then sign up for our free #CharteredWeek 2026 webinar!

📆 Wednesday 25 February, 13:00-14:00, online

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

#TrustedProfessionals
Two people looking at test tubes filled with orange liquid. Text says: Chartered Week 2026, membership and professional registration with the RSB: an introduction, Wednesday 25 February, 13:00-14:00, online
December 15, 2025 at 9:14 AM
rsb.org.uk
Could some Greenland sharks live for nearly a thousand years?

Greenland shark expert Professor John Fleng Steffensen talked to #TheBiologist about the world’s longest-living vertebrates.

Read the full article: thebiologist.rsb.org.uk/biologist-fe...

#GreenlandShark #MarineBiology
Very cold and very old
How old can sharks live to be?
thebiologist.rsb.org.uk
December 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM
rsb.org.uk
"If you're curious by nature, which as a scientist, that's what we are, then it's just a fantastic job."

Next in our A-Z of the Biosciences video series we have @rowhoop.bsky.social, podcast editor at @newscientist.com

Watch the interview: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rz5m...

#BiologyCareers
December 11, 2025 at 8:52 AM
rsb.org.uk
We are pleased to have offered our first Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Culture grants in collaboration with the UK Society for Extracellular Vesicles & The Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists!

Read what the project leaders had to say in the images 👇

#EDI #BiosciencesForAll
Text on a yellow background says: Breaking the Class Ceiling: Mapping barriers and amplifying working-class voices in UK biosciences "Breaking the Class Ceiling is about listening to working-class scientists and students, understanding the barriers they face, and sharing their stories. We’re pleased to receive this grant. It means we can do even more to help make bioscience a place where talent is recognised, voices are heard, and everyone has the chance to belong.” Text on a yellow background says: Inclusion in Bioscience Laboratory Environments “We are thrilled to receive this grant, which enables us to progress our work on inclusive STEM teaching laboratories. We seek external collaborators to share knowledge and experiences of supporting diverse student needs, so that together we can begin developing a national framework of best practice in STEM laboratory inclusion.” Text on a yellow background says: Midlands Biosciences Decolonisation Hub: Diversifying, sharing, and implementing teaching resources and practice across the Midlands “Receiving this grant means I can build up my collaborations and form a group of like-minded academics and students as a community of practice. It means recognising that activities that promote diversity, equality, and inclusion are important and fundamental in society and higher education.” Text on a yellow background says: Practical Science for All: personalised adjustments for teaching laboratories “We’re thrilled to receive our EDIC grant! This funding will help us boost participation in practical classes, ensuring every student has equal opportunities to develop essential hands-on science skills.”
December 10, 2025 at 3:01 PM
rsb.org.uk
Thanks to everyone who voted in our #BioCraft public vote - we have our winners!

Congrats to Gracie for winning the individual category with 'Migration in Glass', & Anna, Paula & Valentina for winning the group category award with 'Coral Reef'.

Read the full story: www.rsb.org.uk/biocraft-com...
A glass model showing the migration of different marine mammals A brightly coloured 3D model of a coral reef made from recycled materials
December 10, 2025 at 9:00 AM
rsb.org.uk
Calling all AMRSB and early-career MRSB members!

Don't forget to apply for a travel grant of up to £1,000 to support future travel in connection with biological study, teaching, or research.

📆 Closes 23 Jan 2026

Find out more: www.rsb.org.uk/travel-grants

#TravelGrants #EarlyCareerResearchers
A person standing in front of a building holding up a lanyard and programme. Text says "Without the MRSB travel grant, my attendance at the SETAC Europe meeting would not have been possible. I am incredibly grateful for the financial support to facilitate my travel and attendance, and for allowing me the opportunity to present my work among my relevant scientific community." Anneliese Hodge MRSB
December 9, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Reposted by Royal Society of Biology
aabiologists.bsky.social
✨ Flash Talk Fundamentals for Applied Biologists ✨

An interactive online workshop for early career researchers & professionals - perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to deliver a great conference flash talk or 3MT!

📆 12th December, 1pm GMT

Register now 👉 buff.ly/OiDYE93
November 21, 2025 at 4:15 PM
rsb.org.uk
Save the date for Bioscience Careers Day 2026!

Find out what skills and experience are necessary to thrive in today's rapidly evolving bioscience landscape.
.
📆 3-5 March, 12:30-14:30, online

Bookings will open soon: www.rsb.org.uk/bioscience-c...

#BioscienceCareers #STEMCareers #BiologyCareers
Six cut outs of people doing various bioscience work. Text says 3-5 March Bioscience Careers Day, discover your place in bioscience
December 9, 2025 at 8:57 AM
rsb.org.uk
Don't miss our #PlantHealth Series webinar: Cross-Sector Innovation in Microbiome-Based Protection

Learn about sustainable crop protection, microbial solutions, and alternatives to conventional pesticides and fungicides.

📆 Tues 3 Feb, 14:00-15:00

Find out more: my.rsb.org.uk/item.php?eve...
A person holding a tablet with graphs in front of some plants. Text says: Plant Health Series webinar, cross-sector innovation in microbiome-based protection, Tuesday 3 February 2026, 14:00 to 15:00, online
December 8, 2025 at 3:00 PM
rsb.org.uk
The latest issue of our magazine The Biologist is out!

Read about Greenland sharks, PFAS, biobanks, and more for free online or subscribe today!

Find out more: thebiologist.rsb.org.uk/biologist

#TheBiologist
The Biologist Winter 2025 cover featuring a photo of a Greenland shark's head taken from below
December 8, 2025 at 9:08 AM
rsb.org.uk
Next in our A-Z of the Biosciences video series is Professor Andrew Hsu. Learn about his work to educate people about neuroscience, what a typical day looks like, and what advice he has for future biologists.

Watch the full video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n4L...

#BiologyCareers #BiosciencesForAll
Letter B | Brain Scientist Professor Andrew Hsu | A to Z of the Biosciences
YouTube video by Royal Society of Biology
www.youtube.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Reposted by Royal Society of Biology
microbiologysociety.org
It’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities and UK Disability History Month. To mark both, Society member, Iga Wieczorek, has written a blog about her experiences, giving some useful advice on how to support Disabled scientists: microb.io/4osURyA%F0%9...

#IDPWD #UKDHM
December 3, 2025 at 10:01 AM
rsb.org.uk
Are you aware of the inequity and discrimination experienced by disabled people in STEMM? Is your organisation working towards a fully inclusive environment?

The National Association of Disabled Staff Networks STEMM Action Group has recommendations that can help: www.nadsn-uk.org/nadsn-subgro...
Text on a green background: The National Association of Disabled Staff Networks (NADSN) STEMM Action Group recommends that “funders, learned societies, and higher education and research institutions work together to”: Text on a green background: In the short term: - Recognise the specific challenges and barriers for disabled researchers to enter, remain, and progress in STEMM.  - Improve work-based training for managers and allies around disability, neurodivergence, chronic illness, and intersectionality.  Text on a green background: In the medium-term: - Endorse an intersectional framework for disability and inclusion in higher education and research. - Require organisations to be held accountable to their working practice policies. Text on a green background: In the long-term: - Create inclusive research cultures and ecosystems.  - Recognise and reward work in research cultures and ecosystems.
December 3, 2025 at 9:01 AM
rsb.org.uk
We've extended the Plant Health Professional Development Award application deadline!

This award is for people working in plant health who want to showcase their achievements.

📆 Apply by Tuesday 9 December

Visit the award webpage to find out more: www.rsb.org.uk/plant-health...

#PlantHealth
A person holding a tray of seedlings
December 2, 2025 at 3:00 PM
rsb.org.uk
Nominations for School Biology Teacher of the Year 2026 are now open!

Do you know someone who is amongst the UK’s leading secondary education teachers?

Then nominate them today!

📆 Applications close 30 January 2026

Find out more: www.rsb.org.uk/school-biolo...

#SBTOY
A person standing in front of a whiteboard. Text says: nominations are open! school biology teacher of the year award. Applications close 30 January. Recognising the invaluable role teachers play in educating and inspiring the next generation of biologists
December 2, 2025 at 9:05 AM
rsb.org.uk
Will you be attending our last member-exclusive webinar of the year?

Don't miss 'Photosynthesis in action' - a lecture by Professor Elinor Thompson FRSB and Martyn Rush, chaired by Professor Jeremy Pritchard FRSB!

📆 Wed 17 Dec, 15:00-16:00

Book your place: my.rsb.org.uk/item.php?eve...
A close up of plant cells. Text says 'Exclusive member lecture, photosynthesis in action: with Professor Elinor Thompson FRSB and Martyn Rush. Wednesday 17 December 2025, 15:00-16:00, online'
December 1, 2025 at 8:45 AM
rsb.org.uk
Don't forget to take part in our BioCraft competition public vote!

From coral reefs to fluid mosaic models, this year's shortlist brilliantly showcases the breadth of the biosciences.

Which is your favourite?

Voting close Tues 2 Dec: www.surveymonkey.com/r/RSBBioCraft2025

#BioCraft
November 28, 2025 at 9:01 AM