Saturday 8th October to Sunday 16th October 2016 is Biology Week. Biology Week is an annual celebration of life science, with events taking place across the UK and beyond, for everyone from children to professional scientists.
This year’s highlights include:
The DNA revolution: Can we predict people’s chance of getting cancer? Should we?
When: 11th October 2016, 7pm – 8.30pm
Where: The Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS
£: Tickets cost £14 and concessions £10 (discounts available for members)
What is it?
An expert panel debate, chaired by broadcaster Vivienne Parry OBE, on the impact of DNA testing for cancer susceptibility. Genetic tests revealing susceptibility to cancer are becoming increasingly available, but the interpretation of these tests and the way in which such information is shared can have huge impacts on individuals, families, and the health service. This event is run in partnership with the Biochemical Society and Cancer Research UK.
More info: www.rsb.org.uk/events
Big Biology Day Cambridge
When: 15th October 2016, 10am – 4pm
Where: Hills Road Sixth Form College, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 8PE
£: Free
What is it?
Enjoy a day of interactive biology-themed activities for all ages. Organised by Hills Road Sixth Form College, University of Cambridge Science Festival and Cambridge Biologists. Test your brain with mirror tracing, dissect owl pellets, look at fossils, and more. Also learn about DNA, genes, mitochondria, and the importance of microbes.
More info: www.rsb.org.uk/events
Insect and bird migration: revealing the mysteries of flight
When: 13th October 2016, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Where: Rothamsted Conference Centre, West Common, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ
£: Free, but booking in advance is recommended
What is it?
This is a special event aimed at answering why, how and to where birds and insects migrate. On the day there will be a series of four talks delivered by scientists from the University of Amsterdam, University of Exeter, and Rothamsted Research. This exciting event also includes an ‘insect fun fair’, in which participants have the chance to experience a butterfly flight simulator, a moth merry-go-round, and more.
More info: www.rsb.org.uk/events
Moulton College’s Big Biology Day
When: 13th October 2016, 9am – 3.15pm
Where: Moulton College, West St, Moulton, Northampton NN3 7RR
£: Free
What is it?
A day of short, interactive sessions aimed at biology students in Year 10 and 11, as well as staff. Session topics include; adaptations to environment, animal and human organs and functions, response to exercise, classification of animals, as well as stream sampling of organisms.
More info: www.rsb.org.uk/events
Dazzling DNA – Big Biology Day Staffordshire University
When: 15th October 2016, 11am – 4pm
Where: Science Centre, Staffordshire University, College Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE
£: Free
What is it?
Hands-on dazzling DNA science activities as part of the Staffordshire Big Biology Day. Participants will have the chance to make DNA from soft fruits using household chemicals.
More info: www.rsb.org.uk/events