Biology Week: From Nature to Neuroscience - a STEM club talk for schools
Hear what experts do in the fascinating worlds of flying insects, wild ecology and brain science technology.
Details
When? Tuesday 13 October 2026, 15:30 to 16:30
Where? Online
Hear what experts do in the fascinating worlds of flying insects, wild ecology and brain science technology!
Attendees will hear from a panel of speakers with interesting and varied STEM careers, and have the opportunity to put their questions to the panel to discover how their science really works. Inspire your students and help to motivate the next generation of bioscientists.
Who should attend?
This event is ideal for anyone aged 11-19, their teachers, and after school STEM clubs. This event is also open to everyone at any age.
Programme
Introduction with chair
Professor Diane Purchase CBiol FRSB, Middlesex University London
What have flies ever done for us?
Dr Erica McAlister, Senior Curator at the Natural History Museum
Flies are regarded as some of the most annoying animals on the planet. They spread disease, they are vectors of pathogens, and they are always buzzing around your house. So, what is the point of these species? And should we be giving them more credit? In this short talk, Erica will introduce these species and hopefully shine a light on why we should actually be thanking our 6 footed cousins. From medical advances to travelling to space, from clearing our waste to feeding our planet, and from solving our crimes to healing our wounds, flies are a lot more valuable that we may initially believe.
Rewilding a Neighbourhood: helping nature and communities thrive within an urban landscape
Eric Swithinbank, Community Ecologist at Avon Wildlife Trust
Eric will outline what the role of a Community Ecologist is, including examples of how wildlife and community organisations have helped people come together to create positive change where they live. We will be exploring how this has been achieved, what the benefits of this work (and working in this sector) are and why this work is valuable for both people and nature.
How Biology Can Change Lives: My journey from brain science to neurotechnology
Professor Andrew Hsu CBiol CSci CSciTeach FRSB, Neuroscientist and Founder of BrainCare360 Technology
Andy will explore how neuroscience can be turned into real-world neurotechnology. Using examples from his work developing systems for neurological and vestibular problems, he will show how biological theory can be translated into objective measurements, meaningful data and practical solutions.
Audience Q&A and discussion
Ask your students for their questions and submit them through the Q&A box
Cost and booking
Bookings are now open. This event is free to attend and advance registration is essential.
Please log into your myRSB member account (if you are not a member then you can create an account for free with your name and email address), then select ‘Book this event' at the top of the screen. Group bookings are welcomed - teachers bringing student groups can register under their own name and email Beth Glynn-Ramsden at events@rsb.org.uk with expected group size.
Contact
Direct queries to Beth Glynn-Ramsden at events@rsb.org.uk or on 020 3925 3440.
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Code of Conduct
By its Royal Charter, the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) has the powers to promote, establish and support standards of professional skill and conduct. The RSB is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in the life sciences, and supports diversity throughout the pipeline. We proactively promote a culture of inclusivity within our discipline and the broader STEM community. It is vital at any RSB event or meeting, that everyone attending is free from any form of harassment or discrimination, feels comfortable and safe, and has the opportunity for an enjoyable experience.