Careers
MPs’ thoughts on academic career paths
by Rebecca Nesbit, Society of Biology From a potential ban on neonicotinoids to the importance of the EU, there were some provocative questions at last week’s Voice of the Future. There were many times when I had my preconceptions challenged by the MPs’ answers, and many issues I hadn’t stopped to consider. This Storify (below) … Continue reading
In praise of apprenticeships
by Rebecca Nesbit I was interested to hear an interviewee on the Today programme worried about the reluctance amongst many parents and schools to recognise the true value of apprenticeships. As someone who graduated prior to top-up fees, I often ask myself ‘if I was 18 now, would university still be the right thing?’, so … Continue reading
ScienceGrrl calendar launched
by Rebecca Nesbit, Press Officer at the Society of Biology Not only is this week a very successful first Biology Week, it is also a good week for gender equality in science. In 2010 UKRC/WISE reported that only 12.3% of the skilled workforce in science, engineering and technology are women, a disturbing figure. The problem … Continue reading
What can you tell from a KIS
by Natasha Neill, Qualification & Skills Officer at the Society of Biology The past few months for universities all across the UK must have involved hours with reams of data from past students, as everyone counts down the days till the 31st October. By then all universities in the UK will make their Key Information … Continue reading
A career in industry – the pros and cons
Guest blogger Avika Ruparell describes her experience of working for industry following her PhD I finished a PhD in molecular microbiology at The University of Nottingham at the end of last year and I’ve been working as a microbiologist for Unilever for just over 4 months now. In between the post-thesis submission and viva, I was … Continue reading
Panellists needed for women in science awards
It is well known that senior positions in universities and research institutes are predominantly filled by men, and moves are being made to tackle this. To increase gender equality, Athena SWAN recognises universities which are committed to the advancement and promotion of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM). The Athena SWAN Charter … Continue reading
Do you lead by example?
The Society of Biology has recently launched our new registers under license from the Science Council, Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) and Registered Scientist (RSci), primarily focused at those at the early stages of their career. Although my work at the Society focusses on the award of Chartered Biologist (CBiol) and Chartered Scientist (CSci), through our … Continue reading
Why become a Chartered Scientist?
The Society of Biology has recently been awarded the 27th licence to offer Chartered Scientist by the Science Council, in addition to our current Chartered Biologist Status. Although for a lot of our members bioscience is their main interest, their work often crosses into other areas of science, and Chartered Scientist status will benefit their … Continue reading
On postgraduate education – James Lush
I recently stumbled upon an article from the February 9th, 1952 edition (guess why?) of Nature, in which the Vice Chancellor of the University of Leeds was reported holding forth on ‘Postgraduate Studies in the Universities’. Said VC, Mr C.R. Morris, was reportedly adamant that “young men and women do not… sufficiently realise the importance, … Continue reading
Launch of the Degree Accreditation Programme
The Society of Biology’s Degree Accreditation Programme has been progressing rapidly over the past two years. We launched our pilot in June of 2011 and it was successfully completed in February of this year enabling us to hold our Accreditation Awards Ceremony last Tuesday. Speeches by Andrew Miller MP, Dr Mark Downs and Professor David … Continue reading