Society of Biology Annual Report

October 2012 - September 2013 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13

Our vision and mission Contents Our vision is of a world that understands the true value of biology and how it can contribute to improving life for all. Welcome from the President 4 Our mission is to be the unifying voice of biology, to facilitate the promotion of Welcome from the Chief Executive 4 new discoveries in biological science for national and international benefit, and to engage the wider public with our work. Council and committees 5 Partnerships 6 Membership 8 Our values Competitions and awards 9 Vocal Events and public engagement 10 We act as the voice for biology Publications 11

Inclusive Science policy 12 We support diversity and equality in the life sciences for all UK Plant Science Federation 14 Uniting Natural Capital Initiative 15 We bring together individuals and organisations to achieve our vision Policy Lates 16 Leading Animal Science Group 17 We lead the field in our areas of work with a proactive and Education 18 honest approach UK Biology Competitions 19 Evolving Heads of University Biosciences 20 We respond and develop our resources to meet the evolving needs of the sector Degree accreditation 21 Advancing Training and registers 22 We advance biology interest, education, professional Next steps 23 development, and policy through our dedicated staff and volunteers Finances 24 Inspiring Member Organisations 26 We aim to inspire our members and the public in the wonders Branches 28 of biology through our communcation and engagement Contacts 31 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13

Welcome from the President Council and committees

This is my fourth and final year as President of the Society of Biology, and the change in The Society of Biology Council act as the Trustees of the Society and consist of three all aspects of the Society’s work has been astounding. We have achieved our primary Honorary Officers: President, Secretary and Treasurer. Four members are elected aim of becoming the ‘voice of the life sciences’ and our policy and education activities from the College of Individual Members and four are elected from the College of have gone from strength to strength. Our members, both individuals and organisations, Organisational Members. Another four members are then appointed by Council to have been central to this success. ensure coverage of the breadth of the life sciences based on skills gap amongst Council. Membership services to support individual development continue to grow, especially throught the Professional Registers we operate, but we have also focused on our wider The Education, Training and Policy Committee (ETP) is chaired by Dr Jeremy Pritchard charitable objectives through more national and regional public engagement and citizen and a principal committee of the Society of Biology, reporting directly to Council. ETP science projects. Your help has allowed us to provide placements for undergraduate develop the Society’s strategies, policies and priorities across public policy, education, students to gain practical skills, offer free places in biology competitions to school Professor Dame Nancy training and professional development. children, and reach over 10,000 members of the public. While through the expertise and Rothwell, The Membership, Marketing and Communication Committee (MMC) is the other partnership of Member Organisations, we have proactively contributed to a huge range President of the Society principal committee of the Society and is chaired by Mrs Sue Thorn. of policy developments in the UK. of Biology Working groups, committees and staff carry out the day-to-day activities of the Society As membership grows, so does our support for members, and this year with the and report to the relevant Principal Committee or Council. addition of staff for regional and training activities, the Society has taken another step forward. I have truly enjoyed my time as President of the Society and witnessing first- The Degree Accreditation Committee is chaired by Dr Liz Lakin. Previously the hand the expansion and growth of the organisation. I would like to especially thank all Accreditation Working Group; this committee develops and oversees accreditation on our volunteers who have helped to support the Society in branches, special interest behalf of Council. groups, working parties and at events in helping realising our vision. The Research Dissemination Committee is chaired by Mrs Sue Thorn. The committee champions sustainable and equitable practices in the circulation and curation of Welcome from the Chief Executive research outputs. Dr David Slingsby is Editor of the Journal of Biological Education and Ms Sue Nelson is The Society of Biology has grown significantly during the 2012-13 financial year, Editor of The Biologist. underpinned by significant external funding and increased partnerships across the Professor Chris Kirk, biological sector. Honorary Secretary Membership has grown to 13,600 and we have welcomed new Member Organistions. Dr Pat Goodwin, The introduction of a substantial new training programme, heavily subsidised for Honorary Treasurer individual members and Member Organisations, has already started to prove popular, bringing very tangible benefits; while accreditation of bioscience degrees has been the largest single activity of the year. College of Individual Members: Mr Tim Our work with sister organisations has continued to play an important role in ensuring Dr Mark Downs, we are able to effectively represent the whole of science, leading for the community Brigstocke (Chair), Dr Liz in many instances, especially though pan-science events within Westminster. Given CEO of the Society of Lakin, Professor Richard expansion and growing interest in joining the Charles Darwin House bioscience hub, we Biology Reece, Dr Kim Hardie were delighted to be a partner in the co-purchase of another property, 107 Gray’s Inn Road. Both premises will be operated jointly, offering external bodies more conference College of Organisational space opportunities and creating greater flexibilty for staff across the co-owning Members: Professor societies. John Coggins (Chair), The Society gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the UK Commission for Professor Chris Employability and Skills for work on degree accreditation; the Welsh Government for Garland, Professor Julia work on Biology Competitions; the Gatsby Charitable Foundation for work on the Buckingham, Professor Technician’s Register and the UK Plant Sciences Federation (UKPSF); the Society for David Blackbourne Experimental Biology for UKPSF support; the Biotechnology and Biological Science Council appointed: Research Council (BBSRC) across several areas of the Society’s work; and grants from Professor Pete Downes, other Member Organisations and collaborators supporting a wide range of project Professor Rosie Hails, Dr activity, including the work of the Director of Parliamentary Affairs. Paul Brooker, Dr Aileen Allsopp 4 5 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13

Partnerships Science Media Centre The Science Media Centre (SMC) is an independent press office providing journalists with scientific evidence and expertise, including interviews with leading experts to Acting as one voice for the biosciences, the Society of Biology has key partnerships timely press briefings on topical issues. The Society of Biology makes a modest annual with several sister organisations outside of our wide Member Organisation base, donation towards the running costs of the SMC, which also acts as an observer supporting their pan-science work. member of the Animal Science Group. Science Council Sense About Science The Science Council is a membership organisation that brings together learned Sense About Science works in partnership with scientific bodies, research publishers, societies and professional bodies across science and its applications. The Science policy makers, the public and the media to change discussions about science and Council provides a single point of contact for those wishing to contact or work with the evidence. Its Voice of Young Science network engages hundreds of early career science community. researchers in public debates about research and evidence. Campaign for Science and Engineering The Society of Biology frequently provides support and event partnership for early career researcher events and is a co-funder (with a number of other organisations) of a The Campaign for Science & Engineering (CaSE) is the leading independent advocate project exploring communication around GM issues in plant science. for science and engineering in the UK. We are supporting members of CaSE and work collaboratively with them on specific projects of joint interest. Athena Forum British Science Association The Athena Forum was set up in 2008 as a successor organisation to the Athena Project which ran from 1999 to 2007. Its mission is to provide a strategic oversight of The British Science Association (BSA, formerly known as the BA) works to connect developments that seek to, or have proven to, advance the career progression and science with people. It organises the annual British Science Festival, National Science representation of women in science, technology, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) & Engineering Week, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive in UK higher education. Its members are nominated by the UK’s leading scientific programme for young people in schools and colleges. professional and learned societies. Science Community Representing Education The Society of Biology is a founding organisation of the Forum and is represented on SCORE is a partnership of organisations which aims to improve science education the committee by Professor Julia Buckingham. in UK schools and colleges by supporting the development and implementation of STEM Disability Committee effective education policy. The Society of Biology is a core member of the STEM Disability Committee (STEM The partnership is chaired by Professor Julia Buckingham, trustee of the Society of DC); a grouping of learned societies and academies with a commitment to improving Biology, and comprises the Association for Science Education, Institute of Physics, policies, practices and provision for disabled people in STEM disciplines. Royal Society, Royal Society of Chemistry and Society of Biology. The Society of Biology is a partner in SCORE. All Party Parliamentary Group on Biodiversity Foundation of Science and Technology The All-Party Parliamentary group for biodiversity aims to provide a forum for cross- party parliamentarians, senior policy makers, academics, leading industry figures and The Foundation’s purpose is to provide a neutral platform for debate of policy issues other interested parties to have an informed discussion on all aspects of protecting that have a science, engineering or technology element. biodiversity in the UK and abroad. The Society is a member of the Group. The Foundation also provides a support service to learned and professional societies. Keith Lawrey is the Learned Societies’ Liaison Officer for the Foundation and is in Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers regular contact with Society. The Society of Biology is a member of the Foundation for The Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers (ALPSP) was formed Science and Technology. in 1972 with 24 society members. Today, ALPSP has more than 315 member Parliamentary and Scientific Committee organisations in 39 countries and is the largest international trade association for scholarly and professional publishers. The Society is a member of the Association. The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee provides a long-term liaison between Parliamentarians and scientific bodies, science-based industry and the academic world. Charles Darwin House The Society of Biology is a member of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, and The Society of Biology, Biochemical Society, British Ecological Society, Society for the Society’s Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Stephen Benn, is the Vice-Chair of the Experimental Biology and Society for General Microbiology co-own two buildings which Advisory Panel of the Committee. form a ‘bioscience hub’, first developed at Charles Darwin House. The hub allows us to further explore opportunities for collaboration between the Societies and provide flexibility for growth. 6 7 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13

Membership Competitions and awards

It has been a successful year for individual Recruitment for student affiliate members The Science Communication Awards are or research to those who would otherwise membership, and the Society has seen has also shown a very encouraging net intended to reward outreach work carried be unlikely to have it. its overall numbers grow from 12,084 to increase of 740 members across the year. out by young scientists and established Twenty grants of £500 are available every 13,359 by the July 2013 election. This is Affiliate members have exhibited a 6% researchers to inform, enthuse and year to members. Over 100 proposals an overall increase of nearly 11%. This increase and the relatively new BioNet engage the public. were submitted this year, with winners means that we have exceeded our target grade (14-19 year olds) has more than The Science Communication Awards travelling across the world. of 13,000 members by October 2013, and doubled, with 289 additional members. increased applications by 61%. remain firmly on-target to achieve 14,000 The Undergraduate Research Bursary Member Organisations have remained members by October 2014. The theme for the Photography Scheme which launched last year, through stable at 89, with the addition of five new Competition in 2013 was ‘feeding life’. support from The Nuffield Foundation, The year has seen a net increase across organisations. The Affiliated Organisational Almost 600 entries were received, the operated with additional support from the all membership grades, particularly within Membership grade has been developed, most since the competition started, British Ecological Society, the Alzheimer’s the professional grades - Member of the and is expected to make a significant increasing from 485 entries in 2012. Society, the Society for Reproduction Society of Biology (MSB) and Fellow (FSB). positive impact on recruitment of and Fertility, the British Pharmacological The FSB grade has shown a pleasing organisations which would benefit from In 2013, we introduced a new category in Society, and the Society for Endocrinology net increase of 5%, while the MSB grade affiliation with the Society. the Travel Grants Scheme especially for for a second year. and associate member (AMSB) grades, early-career members of the Society of where turnover is higher, have shown net Biology (MSB). In total, 156 applications were submitted to the Society and 49 Undergraduate increases of 0.5% and 7.5% respectively, The aim of these grants is to give Research Bursaries were awarded. which is indicative of the strength of the the opportunity of overseas travel in Society despite a challenging financial connection with biological study, teaching climate.

Total membership grew for Our Twitter followers 12,000 to 13,300, an overall increased from 5,090 to increase of 11% 11,990.

Josie Slade travelled to the Jumping Spider Eats Insect 280 new BioNet members, Our Facebook fans Merendon Mountaints in north- by Jack Settle, winner of the more than doubling our increased from 3,210 to western Honduras to study Young Photographer of the number of 14-19 year old 5,320. dung beetles. Year 2013 members.

There was a 47% increase in Our LinkedIn group This experience was a giant step towards student affiliate members. members increased from “my dream of studying biology and 960 to 3,390. ecology across the globe. Josie Slade, Travel Grant recipient 8 ” 9 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13

Events and public engagement Publications

We travelled across the country to individuals and organisations, gave people Our award-winning magazine The The magazine won the Best Design participate in national STEM events, the chance to learn about biology. Biologist boasts a readership of around award at the PPA Awards in November including Cheltenham Science Festival, 21,000 and continues to attract 2012, and was Highly Commended in the The Society ran activities for everyone the British Science Festival, and the Big overwhelmingly positive feedback from MemCom Awards in May 2013. from school children to practising Bang Fair, where our stand attracted over members. scientists. Biology Week was launched The Journal of Biological Education aims 3,500 visitors. with an evening reception in the House Aimed at biologists everywhere, its to bridge the gap between research Public engagement activities this year of Commons, raising the Society’s profile accessible style makes it ideal for and practice in biology teaching. The focused on anatomy and physiology, and with MPs. In a debate at the Linnean professionals, educators, and students peer-reviewed journal critically examines featured activities on making an articulated Society, members of the public discussed alike, as well as the interested non- advances in education practice and hand, how the ear works and the heart whether the panda was a valuable use of professional. It brings science to life with contains an international mix of articles on and cardio-vascular system. conservation resources. stimulating and authoritative features, the teaching, learning, and assessment of interviews with prominent biologists, biology. With an updated editorial board We have 16 volunteer-led regional The East Anglia Branch hosted a Big and analysis of science policy and and open access options available, the branches, which organise a wide range of Biology Day, with hands-on activities for controversial issues. journal continues to attract cutting edge activities for both our members and the 500 attendees. There was an awards biological education research from around general public. evening for the photography competition A recent survey of readers found that the world. and science communication awards. The over 90% rate the content as ‘good’ or Branch events in 2012-13 featured climax was a successful record attempt ‘excellent’, 80% read every issue, and the experiments in tissue decay, a behind- for the world’s largest memory game, average reading time is 50 minutes, twice the-scenes tour of Creswell Crag, and an which attracted 2,000 participants in the the industry standard. interactive examination of Ice Age cave UK and beyond. art. Our first Biology Week was celebrated from 13th - 19th October 2012. Events around the country, organised by

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Science policy

The policy team have responded to 18 Parliamentary work has continued to Members of the Select Government consultations in the past grow, with Voice of the Future, SET for Committee at Voice of year, covering issues such as scientific Britain, and Parliamentary Links Day the Future in March 2013 infrastructure, open access policies, clearly communicating the importance of and discipline-specific topics such as science to Government. bovine TB vaccination and antimicrobial Voice of the Future provides a unique resistance. opportunity for young scientists and We have engaged with the Cabinet Office engineers, including A-Level students, and the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny to question members of the House of Committee on the new consultation Commons Select Committee on Science principles and how this impacts on & Technology. transparent policy making. This is an Links Day is the largest science event on ongoing policy issue on which we will the annual Parliamentary events calendar, continue to work. and is organised by the Society of Biology Developments in open access publishing on behalf of the science and technology have been a key policy issue for the community. The 2013 Parliamentary Links Society and our members. Day focused on the theme of Diversity in Science, Technology, Engingeering The Society has contributed to a and Maths, and explored the under- Scotland analysis report on science representation of women, people with and research, led by the Department of disabilities and minority ethnic groups at Business, Innovation and Skills, and will various stages of the STEM pipeline. continue to discuss the science policy This is a unique event - in no other implications of the upcoming referendum The SET for BRITAIN competition is on independence for Scotland. designed to support and promote British Parliament is the format so completely scientists, engineers and technologists in “ The Society continued to engage with the early stages of their careers. Many will the Drug Development Pathway Group, become Britain’s leaders in science and reversed so that MPs have to answer. providing particular input on skills technology, and their work is vital for our development and sustainability. economy. questions rather than ask them. The Research Dissemination Committee held its second annual Member Dr Stephen Benn, Director of Parliamentary Affairs describing the Organisations meeting in October importance of Voice of the Future. ” 2012, discussing open access and the implications for learned societies worldwide.

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UK Plant Science Federation Natural Capital Initiative

The UK Plant Sciences Federation The Federation coordinated the national The Natural Capital Initiative (NCI) is a World Forum on Natural Capital (WFNC). (UKPSF) had a successful year, with its Fascination of Plants Day in May 2013, partnership with the British Ecological We prepared workshops, developed second annual meeting held in Dundee in helping to bring together over 30 events Society, the Centre for Ecology and supporting materials, and provided April 2013, attracting 200 delegates. held throughout the country. Hydrology, and the James Hutton Institute, briefings ahead of these events. In and is chaired by Professor Rosie Hails addition, the WFNC programme helped The overarching theme of the meeting Other areas of significant work for FSB. to support training for two NCI Fellows was Plant Science in a Changing World, UKPSF have included responding to during their MSc and PhD studentships. featuring two keynote speakers: Sir 11 policy consultations, supporting The Society has contributed to the Professor David Baulcombe (University engagement with schools and colleges, activities of the NCI and the development “Natural capital” is an increasingly popular of Cambridge) and Professor Charles and establishing a robust network of plant of a future strategy, including an agreed metaphor for features of the natural Godfray (University of Oxford). science contacts. programme of activities (an annual report, environment that underpin society, the an annual series of dialogue meetings, and economy, and wellbeing. NCI’s mission A status report on plant science in the UK Our new website provides key information a five-yearly summit), which will facilitate is to support evidence-based decision is on course for completion in the winter, on plant science news, events and funding both the opportunity to work with the making that results in sustainable and is based upon data from surveys of opportunities, as well as searchable many other organisations in this area and management of natural capital. 257 individuals, 47 heads of departments directory of plant scientists in the UK. provide a focus for fundraising activity. and over 20 interviews with experts. UKPSF is chaired by Professor Jim The NCI hosted specialist sessions A news desk service to provide Beynon FSB. at INTECOL 2013, an international information related to science and policy conference for ecologists; and the first related to combatting ash dieback disease proved a popular contribution and has a significant circulation.

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Policy Lates Animal Science Group

Policy Lates is a new discussion series Daniel Grushkin (Freelance journalist; The Animal Science Group (ASG) has workshop at the Home Office, drawing 80 from the Society of Biology’s Policy vice-president and co-founder of continued to provide a broad forum for people to discuss the scientific advances Team, held at Charles Darwin House. Genspace community biology laboratory, discussion, and contribute to the UK in genetic modifications of animals, and We bring a panel of experts together for New York), Dr Catherine Jefferson Bioscience Sector Coalition (UKBSC) their implications. an informal debate on a contemporary (Freelance consultant on bioweapons view on options for implementation for the Since January 2013, the Society of policy issue, with lots of time for audience policy; researcher at the Department of revised Animals in Scientific Procedures Biology has provided the Secretariat questions and convivial discussions over Social Science, Health and Medicine, Act. The group has provided advice on for the UKBSC. During the year the refreshments. King’s College London), Dr Piers Millet the Draft Guidance, and Draft Code of coalition undertaken activities, including FSB (Deputy Head of the UN Biological Practice, for use in conjunction with the The Policy Lates series for 2012-13 responding to consultations, developing Weapons Convention Implementation revised Act, and commenting on relevant focussed on scientists in Parliament and pro-active policy paper and arranging Support Unit, United Nations Office of consultations issued by the Home Office. biosecurity issues, and brought together regular meetings, including with the Home Disarmament Affairs, Geneva). representatives from the UN Bioweapons The Concordat on Openness in Animal Office and the Department for Business, Convention, the FBI and “Garage Do we need more scientists in Research has been a key activity for the Innovation and Skills, to discuss legislative Biologists” to discuss the potential misuse group and remains ongoing. In December change and its implementation. of biological research. Parliament? November 2012 2012, the group ran another successful Chair: Chi Onwurah MP, engineer and Bioscience to bioweapon: how former Shadow Minster for Innovation & do we benefit from open dual- Science (Chair). use research while avoiding Panel: Dr Evan Harris (former Liberal misuse? July 2013 Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, writer on science policy), Dr Chair: Professor Malcolm Dando FSB Phillip Lee MP (Conservative MP for Professor of International Security, Division Bracknell, member of Energy and Climate of Peace Studies, School of Social Change Select Committee, and Chair of and International Studies, University of the All-Party Parliamentary Environment Bradford. Group), Dr Jennifer Rohn (Cell biologist, Panel: Professor Wendy Barclay (Chair novelist and founder and Chair of Science in Influenza Virology, Department of is Vital), Dr Jack Stilgoe (Lecturer in Medicine, Imperial College London), Social Studies of Science, science and technology policy expert and blogger).

Dr Jack Stilgoe, Dr Evan Harris, Chi Onwurah MP, Dr Phillip Lee MP, and Dr Jennifer Rohn (left to right) discuss whether we need more scientists in Parliament at the first Policy Lates in November 16 2012. 17 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13

Education UK Biology Competitions

The Society continued to work in Community Representing Education), UK Biology Competitions (UKBC) is a from 60 countries will be taking part. partnership with a number of our Member responding on the curriculum and special interest group of the Society This year saw another year on year Organisations to offer careers advice to qualifications reforms taking place in of Biology that organises and runs the increase in entries to both competitions. school students, undergraduates, and England throughout 2013 - including British Biology Olympiad and the Biology 31,000 14-15 year old students took part postgraduates, primarily through the the Key Stage 1-3 National Curriculum, Challenge. Biology Challenge is open in the Biology Challenge, up from 29,000 Bioscience Careers Group. Throughout GCSEs, and A levels. to pupils aged 14-15 in the UK. The in 2011-12 and a total of 4,200 students the year, membership continued to grow competition aims to encourage an interest Support for primary schools was a new took part in the Olympiad this year, up with BioNet, the membership scheme for in biology beyond the school curriculum area under development in 2012/13, an from 4,000 in the previous year. 14-19 year olds, reaching 700 members, and stimulate curiosity in the natural world. expert group was brought together led and the Schools and Colleges Affiliation An additional grant from the National by Derek Bell FSB to develop a position The British Biology Olympiad (BBO) Scheme has almost 300 members. Science Academy Grant from the paper on the role of biology in primary challenges and stimulates students with Newsletters for education providers Welsh Government targeting student science. This forms the basis for the an interest in biology to expand and have continued to prove popular, with a participation in Welsh schools has Society’s work going forward, and as an extend their talents. In offering a wider combined readership of 3,000. more than trebled the number of initial step the Society sponsored a biology syllabus than A level, it allows students to schools in Wales participating in biology Over 500 students attended the Life primary science teacher of the year award demonstrate their knowledge and to be competitions, from 18 to 62. Sciences Careers Conferences, held this as part of the AstraZeneca Teaching suitably rewarded and publicly recognised year at the University of Birmingham, Trust awards (now the Primary Science by the award of medals, certificates and University of Leeds, and Queens University Teaching Trust). The inaugural winner was other prizes. Belfast. Through the conferences, a total Alison Eley, subject leader for science at The BBO provides a means of selecting of 232 new members joined the Society at Hampton Hill Junior School, Middlesex. a team to represent the UK at the the student affiliate and associate grades. International Biology Olympiad (IBO). Education policy has continued to be The IBO seeks to challenge students by a focus for the Education Team, from both theory and practical tests. Some of primary to higher education. The Society the top pre-university biology students has worked through SCORE (Science

The UK IBO team receive Thank you for an excellently organised their awards from competion, once again. I would like to say Professor Dame “ Julia Goodfellow what a refreshing event it is and a great way FSB at the UKBC Award Ceremony to stimulate the most able students in the in London on 27th June 2013. country. Feedback from” a participating teacher for Biology Challenge

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Heads of University Biosciences Degree accreditation

Heads of University Biosciences (HUBS) is research-led teaching in higher education. In October 2012, the UK Commission awareness of how accreditation can a Special Interest Group of the Society of The HE Teaching website was launched for Employment and Skills awarded benefit them and the wider bioscience Biology. in November 2012, and the design was the Society £1.1 million over two years sector. refreshed in September 2013 to fit with to expand the Degree Accreditation The group aims to represent the particular The accreditation awards ceremony was the new Society of Biology website. Programme, following a successful pilot in challenge of managing biological and held in September 2013 at the Royal spring 2012. life science departments and units in UK Other HUBS events included the Winter Botanic Gardens, Kew. This celebrated higher education. Meeting 2012, which discussed the Through the Degree Accreditation the successful accreditation of 40 degrees Research Excellence Framework, the Programme we aim to: delivered by four universities, and was HUBS comprises of 80 heads or subject Comprehensive Spending Review, and supported by Cogent and AstraZeneca. leads from bioscience departments, and • Drive up the standard of learning and open access policies. The HUBS Spring The event was attended by over 100 an executive committee that drives the teaching in the biosciences Meeting 2013 focused on A level reform, representatives from industry, academia, activity of the group. the transition from A level study to • Ensure a pipeline of skills graduates and learned societies. In 2012, the Society of Biology received university, and how learned societies can into areas of both national and The “supporting life science” campaign project funding from the Higher Education work with higher education providers. international importance ran for six months in the summer of 2013, Academy (HEA) and JISC to develop a In April 2013, Professor Tim Birkhead from • Maintain and improve the UK’s and promoted the work we do to support new HE teaching website to promote the University of Sheffield was named HE position as a premier location to skills development and career progression, the use of open education resources Bioscience Teacher of the Year. develop the life scientists of the future primarily though accreditation and the (OER) to support practical biology and Between October 2012 and September Professional Registers. This featured 2013, we accredited 39 degree across multiple titles, including Nature, programmes taught at three UK higher New Scientist, and Laboratory News. education institutions, we trained 68 assessors, and held over 60 face-to- face meetings with employers to raise

It’s great to see life science graduates getting the “hands-on expereince they need to really excel in research and development at the start of their careers. Degree accreditation is already common- place for other disciplines - now the life sciences will also have a clear way of identifying those who have come from research-focused degrees.” Andrew Miller MP, Chair of the Select Committee on Science and Technology 20 21 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13

Training and registers Next steps

The registers administered by the Society Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) The next goals for the Society of Biology during 2013-14 will be: of Biology continue to grow in popularity is aimed at those working in a technical and demand. Membership for the UK role in the lab and have experience • Developing an online resource to provide details of individuals Register of Toxicology continues to be equivalent to at least a level 3 qualification willing to give talks to the bioscience community sought after. The Qualified Persons such as A levels, BTEC, Scottish Highers. register had three applicants, and Registered Scientist (RSci) is aimed at • Developing a regional grants programme to support members the Register of Foetal Morphologists those working in a lab where experimental to hold their own events continues to be successful, with a total of planning, design and interpretation are 20 registrants. The Professional Registers, important aspects of the job. Experience is • Increasing our regional training programme and delivering over supported by the Gatsby Charitable Trust, equivalent to at least a level 5 qualification has continued to grow; the Society now 50 events across the UK such as HND, Foundation degree has: • Delivering a pan-biology conference for members and non- Chartered Biologist status (CBiol) provides 27 Registered Science Technicians a benchmark for bioscientists working in members (RSciTech) a vast and continually growing array of 19 Registered Scientists (RSci) settings and we are the only body that can • Raising individual membership to 14,000 by October 2014 award the title Chartered Biologist. 71 Chartered Scientists (CSci) • Holding an accreditation careers event with 100 attendees and Chartered Scientist (CSci) provides a We also began work to expand our 5 exhibitors benchmark for scientists working in pan- training programme, which is seen science roles as a valuable benefit for members • Increasing membership of each professional register by 20% and an important part of professional • Issuing three new policy statements development.

Since gaining the award, I feel “I have gained a higher regard and status with employers and colleagues. I now feel empowered to insist on better working conditions and recognition. Patricia Kingston, ”on being award RSciTech status 22 23 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13

Finances Resources expended 2265.6 Total 2012/13 (£000) Financial summary Total 2011/12 (£000) Total 2012/13 Total 2011/12 1644.5 Total incoming resources £2,646,100 £1,805,300 Total resources expenditure £2,380,300 £1,753,000 Net incoming resources for the year beofre transfers £265,800 £52,300 Net incoming resources before other recognised gains and losses £265,800 £52,300 Other recognised gains and losses £27,00 £27,500 Actuarial lossess on defined benefit schemes £7,000 £3,000 Net movement in funds £285,900 £76,800 Funds carried forward at 30 September 2013 £1,929,100 £1,643,200 31.1 34.5 82.6 74

Charitable activities Activities for generating funds Governance costs (Journals, services for members, (administration services costs) (governance costs including Total incoming resources bioscience promotion and direct, staff, and support costs) Total 2012/13 (£000) services, policy and campaigning, education, courses and events) 1501.6 Total 2011/12 (£000) 1326.8 Total funds carried forward at 30/09/13 Total funds carried forward at 30/09/12

1003.8 1594.7 1541.3 43.7 32.9

50 334.4 160.8 101.9 12.9 368.1 76.4 66.1

121.2 92.2 9.8 9.4 9.7 4.8

Voluntary income Income from Investment Incoming Other income Unrestricted funds Restricted fund of Natural Captial Initiative (sponsorship, activities income resources from grants, donations generating funds (cash investments charitable Total restricted funds Restricted fund of UKPSF and gifts in kind) (administration and derived from the activities services gift aid UK) (member Restricted fund of UK Biology Competitions Restricted fund of accreditation recievable) subscriptions, accreditation and Restricted fund of Technicians’ Registers examination fees, journals, education, courses and events) N.B. Unrestricted funds are those which can be used by the Society at their discretion. Restricted funds represent income contributions that are restircted to a particular purpose, in accordance with the donor’s wishes. 24 25 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13

Member Organisations

Full Organisational Members British Society for Soil Science VEGIN - Vegetable Genetic Improvement Understanding Animal Research Network Agriculture and Horticulture Development British Society of Animal Science Unilever UK Ltd Wildlife Conservation Society Europe Board British Toxicology Society Wellcome Trust Zoological Society of London Amateur Entomologistsí Society Experimental Psychology Society Wessex Water Anatomical Society The Field Studies Council Supporting Member Wiley Blackwell Association for the Study of Animal GARNet Organisations Behaviour Genetics Society Association of the British Pharmaceutical Association of Applied Biologists Industry (ABPI) Heads of University Centres of Biomedical Biochemical Society Science Association of Medical Research Charities Biosciences KTN Institute of Animal Technology Astrazeneca British Andrology Society Laboratory Animal Science Association BASIS Registration Ltd. British Association for Lung Research Linnean Society of London Bayer British Association for Marine Biological Association BioIndustry Association Psychopharmacology MONOGRAM - Cereal and Grasses Biotechnology and Biological Sciences British Crop Production Council Research Community Research Council (BBSRC) British Ecological Society Nutrition Society The Donkey Sanctuary British Lichen Society The Rosaceae Network The Ethical Medicines Industry Group British Microcirculation Society Royal Microscopical Society Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) British Mycological Society Science and Plants for Schools Forest Products Research Institute British Neuroscience Association Society for Applied Microbiology Huntingdon Life Sciences British Pharmacological Society Society for Endocrinology Institute of Physics British Phycological Society Society for Experimental Biology Ipsen British Society for Gene and Cell Therapy Society for General Microbiology Lifescan (Johnson and Johnson) Scotland British Society for Immunology Society for Reproduction and Fertility Ltd British Neuroscience Association Society for the Study of Human Biology Medical Research Council (MRC) British Society for Matrix Biology SCI Horticulture Group MedImmune British Society for Medical Mycology The Physiological Society Pfizer UK British Society for Neuroendocrinology Tropical Agriculture Association Plant Bioscience Limited (PBL) British Society for Parasitology UK Environmental Mutagen Society Royal Botanical Gardens Kew BSPB - British Society of Plant Breeders UK-BRC - Brassica Research Community Royal Society for Public Health British Society for Plant Pathology UK-SOL - Solanacea Research Select Biosciences British Society for Proteome Research Community Syngenta British Society for Research on Ageing University Bioscience Managers’ Association The British Library

26 27 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13

Branches

Beds, Essex and Herts Kent, Surrey and Sussex Thames Valley Northern Ireland Chair: Professor Roberto Marcello La Chair: Mr Conrad Chapman CBiol FSB Chair: Dr Ray Gibson CBiol FSB Chair: Professor Stephanie McKeown Ragione FSB CBiol FSB Deputy Chair: Dr Graham Godfrey CBiol Vice-Chair: Dr Michael Keith-Lucas CBiol Secretary: Dr Theresa Huxley FSB FSB FSB Vice Chair: Dr Moira Dean CBiol MSB Treasurer: Dr Mojgan Moddaresi CBiol Secretary: Dr David Ware CBiol FSB Treasurer: Mr Stephen Lewis CBiol MSB Honorary Secretary: Dr Brian Green CBiol MSB Contact details: Treasurer: Dr Basil Lindsey CBiol FSB Secretary: Mr John Haspineall FSB [email protected] Honorary Treasurer: Dr Richard Briggs Contact details: Contact details: CBiol FSB FLS Devon and Cornwall [email protected] [email protected] Past Chair: Dr Dai Roberts CBiol FSB Chair: Mrs Mary Jenking CBiol MSB London West Midlands Honorary Auditor: Dr Paul Boreland CBiol Vice Chair: Dr Brian Wood CBiol FSB Chair: Mr Ken Allen CBiol FSB Chair: Pamela Speed CBiol MSB FSB Secretary: Miss Christine Fry MSB Secretary: Miss Vydeki Shanmuganathan Vice Chair and acting Treasurer: Lesley Contact details: [email protected] CBiol CSci MSB Payne CBiol MSB Contact details: [email protected] Treasurer: Professor Caroline Springer Secretary: Deirdre Marsh CBiol MSB CBiol FSB East Anglia Contact details: Contact details: [email protected] Chair: Mark Winterbottom CBiol FSB [email protected] Vice Chair & Education Officer: Ian Harvey Western FSB North Western Chair: Dr Michael Graz PhD CBiol FSB Chair: Graham Bonwick CBiol FSB Secretary: Amanda Burton Affiliate Treasurer: Roger Symes CBiol MSB Ex Chair: Jean Wilson MBE CBiol FSB Treasurer: Gillian Covey AMSB Contact details: Secretary: Glenn Upton-Fletcher AMSB Events co-ordinator: Krystyna Zielinski- [email protected] Smith CBiol MSB Honorary Treasurer: Alan Bedford CBiol MSB Scotland Contact details: Chair: Dr Jacqueline Nairn CBiol MSB Contact details: [email protected] [email protected] Secretary: Professor David Coates FSB East Midlands Northern Contact details: scotland@ Chair: Dr Ron Dixon CBiol FSB societyofbiology.org Chair: Dr Cliff Wood CBiol FSB Vice Chair: Mr David Ashworth CBiol MSB Treasurer: Dr Michael Rowell CBiol MSB North Wales Secretary: Mrs Rosemary Hall MSB Chair: Dr J Solbe MBE CBiol FSB Secretary: Dr Michael Rowell CBiol MSB Hon Treasurer: Dr Cas Kramer MSB Secretary: Dr Rosemary Solbe CBiol FSB Contact details: Contact details: [email protected] Contact details: [email protected] [email protected]

28 29 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13 Society of Biology Annual Report 2012-13

The number of staff supporting the work of the Society has increased from 19 to 26 (full time equivalent), predominantly through grant-funded growth. This has resulted in the expansion of the profile of the organisation and Contacts a better service for our members, with training and regional events more readily available. Membership, Marketing and Communications Team [email protected] Education and Training Team [email protected] Policy Team [email protected]

For enquiries relating specifically to: Our training programmes [email protected] Media enquiries [email protected] The Biologist [email protected] Journal of Biological Education [email protected]

If you have any questions about this document, please contact Natasha Neill, Executive Officer at [email protected]

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