About Biology Live
Biology Live brings current science into the classroom — or rather, brings students out of it. Events are held at university campuses and science centres, giving students access to real laboratory environments, working researchers and specialist equipment they would not otherwise encounter until undergraduate study.
The day combines plenary talks from researchers with smaller hands-on lab sessions. Students work in groups, follow real experimental protocols, and analyse their own results. The aim is to make the leap from curriculum biology to actual science feel achievable.
Programme overview
Specific topics vary by location and date. The programme above is illustrative. Confirmed session details are sent after registration.
How to prepare
Students do not need prior knowledge beyond standard GCSE or equivalent biology. To get the most from the day, reviewing the following is helpful:
- Cell biology — read our cells and organelles guide to understand the vocabulary used in the microscopy session.
- CRISPR basics — our news article on CRISPR gene editing explains how the tool works before the talk.
- Scientific method — knowing the difference between independent, dependent and control variables will help in the lab sessions.
Bring a notebook and a phone with the camera ready — you may photograph your own gel or microscope slide.
Careers and next steps
The closing panel features researchers from different career paths: academic research, industry, science communication and medicine. Students are encouraged to ask questions about routes into biology beyond A-level.
For students considering biology at university, the STEM Learning UK directory and the Wellcome Trust's public engagement grants fund additional science events throughout the year.