Day: August 3, 2025

Royal Society of Biology gears up for Biology Week 2025

BIOLOGY WEEK 11 – 19 OCTOBER 2025

The Royal Society of Biology prepares to host its annual Biology Week which will run from 11-19 October 2025.

  • Biology Week brings people together from across the bioscience sector, from researchers, teachers, and students, to people working in industry, and anyone with an interest in biology to showcase the biosciences
  • The week will see a range of events take place in person and online
  • This year’s theme is nature and climate

RSB Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Susie Rabin, said: “Biology Week is a pivotal time to bring together people from across the biosciences – both in education and industry – to share their knowledge, inspire others, and hone in on the importance of the biosciences to all.

“I’m looking forward to getting involved in this year’s amazing events and hope we see widespread engagement again this year.”

Innovation in biology will help us support all life on Earth now and in the coming decades. Biology Week celebrates and raises the profile of these achievements, and the important work that bioscientists are doing.

CWP-‘Biology For A Better Tomorrow’ Biology Week Awards at Royal Geographical Society.

Events the RSB will host during Biology Week 2025:

  • Networking and Awards Ceremony at the House of Commons which will see the awarding of prizes for our various competitions (Apprentice of the Year, BioArtAttack, photography, and School Biology Teacher of the Year) in addition to the President’s Medal
  • An exclusive member-only webinar with forensic anthropologist Professor Lady Sue Black Hon FRSB
  • An online conversation with our CEO for RSB Fellows
  • STEM Club online talk for school students focusing on immunology, biotechnology, and deep-sea exploration
  • Plant Health event at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden
  • Spelling Bee competition final

How you can take part:

Funding

We have funding available for those wishing to host a Gopher Science Lab day during Biology Week. This is open to teachers from state-funded secondary schools across the UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands.

Event promotion

We have downloadable assets and logos to use for promotion, and we encourage use of the hashtag #BiologyWeek across social media.

Organising an event

More information for running your own event can be found on our website, or email: events@rsb.org.uk

We would love to see every biologist celebrate their work with events and activities that appeal to all audiences. Help us achieve our vision of a world that understands the true value of biology and how it can contribute to improving life for all. 

For any other queries or to be featured in our #IAmABiologist campaign (on a first come, first served basis), contact: parliamentaryandpublicaffairs@rsb.org.uk

Police: Report illegal use of off-road bikes

There have been incidents of off-road bikes being ridden illegally on roads, in parks, on pavements and in other public spaces, resulting in injuries to both riders and members of the public.

There has also been damage to parks, fields, green spaces and private property.

Anti-social off-road bike use is more than just a nuisance, it’s a danger to the rider and the public.

Do you have information about these bikes and those people using them? You can report what you know to us or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

#PoliceScotlandEdinburgh#PoliceScotland

Spokes public meeting: Cargobikes in Edinburgh – with MOTHERLOAD film

TUESDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER from 7.15 – 9pm

Cargobikes are seen more and more in Edinburgh, and the potential is massive, as in many European cities and elsewhere around the world.

Our public meeting on 2 September will feature the 90-minute documentary film MOTHERLOAD – a mother’s experience of how cargo bikes can be an antidote to the increasing isolation, disconnection, and planetary impact of life in C21.

The meeting will then hear from local organisations in the forefront of cargobike development in Edinburgh, including…

A great opportunity to hear what is happening in Edinburgh and around the world, and to put forward your ideas and suggestions in the QA.

Arrangements

  • Where Augustine United Church 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
  • Date Tuesday 2 September
  • Time  Starts 7.15, Ends 9.30.  Doors open 6.30 for coffee, stalls and chat, including a special stall to join Spokes or renew your membership. NOTE: the meeting begins (and doors open) 15 minutes earlier than our usual 7.30/6.45 times
  • Questions Questions can be emailed (at least a day in advance) to spokes@spokes.org.uk. However, questions in person from audience members are likely to have greatest priority
  • Online We hope to live broadcast on our youtube channel – and publish the recording later. NOTE: for licensing reasons, the livestream and recording will not include the film
  • Social media If posting about the meeting, use hashtag #SpokesMtg

Background & Links

Internship scheme to get more working class students into Civil Service

Students from working class backgrounds are set to benefit from a Summer Internship Programme that will be launched to boost social mobility in the Civil Service

  • Students from lower-income backgrounds to get paid government placements.
  • Programme to support the recruitment of more working class youngsters into Civil Service so it better reflects the people it serves.
  • The government is taking action to break down barriers to opportunity through its Plan for Change.

Students from working class backgrounds are set to benefit from a Summer Internship Programme that will be launched to boost social mobility in the Civil Service. 

The scheme will give talented undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity to see what a career in the Civil Service is like. 

Currently, applicants from lower socio economic backgrounds are less likely to get a place on the Fast Stream. This is a first step towards changing that, as the government works to ensure the Civil Service better reflects the country it serves.

Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “We need to get more working class young people into the Civil Service so it harnesses the broadest range of talent and truly reflects the country. Government makes better decisions when it represents and understands the people we serve. 

“I want to open up opportunities for students from all backgrounds, and in every corner of the UK, so they can take a leading role at the heart of government as we re-wire the state and deliver the Plan for Change.”

The programme will give roughly 200 undergraduates the opportunity to work in a Civil Service department for two months, acting as a stepping stone to a fulfilling career in the Civil Service post-university. 

Undergraduates on the programme, which is paid, will get experience that could include planning events, writing briefings for ministers, shadowing senior civil servants and carrying out research for policy development.

Those on the scheme will get access to tailored support, including being allocated a “buddy” who is a current Fast Streamer and getting access to skills sessions. Participants who perform well will be fast-tracked to the final stages of the Fast Stream selection process if they decide to apply for a job after graduation.

The scheme will open for applications in October with the first cohort starting in summer 2026. The government is taking action seeking to break down barriers to opportunity through its Plan for Change. 

The move is the latest change to deliver greater diversity in the Civil Service and make it more representative of the people it serves. Earlier this year the Government launched a new Career Launch apprenticeship scheme targeted at young people and school leavers. It also announced a new ambition for the Fast Stream programme to have 50% of placements offered outside of London by 2030,

The Fast Stream is the Civil Service’s highly regarded graduate scheme, which regularly features at the top of the Times Top 100 Graduate list each year. It offers high potential graduates an accelerated route to senior leadership positions in Government.

St Columba’s Furniture Centre: Revised opening hours this month

We’ve had a GREAT first month of trading at our new Furniture Centre at Bonnington, with lots of pre-loved furniture heading off to a new life in a new home!

For the next month or so, the furniture centre will be closed on Mondays, to allow us to accommodate staff holidays, and sort through the fantastic donations we have waiting in the wings!

The opening hours will be reassessed in September, but until then, the centre will be open 6 days from 10-5 (11-5 on Sundays)!

Thank you for your incredible support so far — we’ve loved welcoming you into our new space and can’t wait to see you again soon! 🛋️

Edinburgh riders gear up for Wild Shore Wakeboarding Competition at Foxlake Adventures

One of Scotland’s top wakeboarding events returns to East Lothian for a day of adrenaline and spectacle

Foxlake Adventures in East Lothian is excited to announce the return of its annual Wakeboarding Competition on Saturday 9 August 2025, 1!:00 – 17:00.

This high-energy event will see some of Scotland’s best wakeboarders hit the water, with strong representation from Edinburgh.

Riders of all levels – from rising local talent to experienced riders – will take part in a series of adrenaline-fuelled heats, showcasing big tricks, technical skill, and crowd-pleasing action for spectators of all ages.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting our annual Wakeboarding Competition again at Foxlake,” said James Barbour, Director of Wild Shore. “It’s always an incredible atmosphere with top talent on the water, live commentary, and a buzzing crowd of families, fans, and first-timers.”

The competition will feature multiple categories – from youth and amateur riders to experienced pros – with prizes, music, food and drink, and family-friendly activities running throughout the day. Whether you’re a wakeboarding enthusiast or just looking for a unique day out by the water, the event is open to all. 

James Barbour added: “This event really showcases the sport and the local wakeboarding scene. And for those who’ve never seen it live – it’s fast, it’s technical, and it’s seriously fun to watch.”

The wakeboarding competition will feature a full day of live music, expert commentary, and an energetic MC to keep the crowd entertained and informed. Judging will be carried out by a panel of experts, including Wild Shore team members Nick Galloway and Cameron Bullen, and Tegan Brady from Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland, bringing invaluable insight and experience to the competition. 

Tegan Brady, Development Officer at Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland, commented: “I’m proud to support events such as Foxlake Adventures Wakeboarding Competition, which plays a huge role in growing the sport across Scotland.

“It’s fantastic to see such strong local talent taking to the water alongside more experienced riders – it really captures the inclusive, grassroots spirit of wakeboarding. 

“Competitions like this are vital for building community, inspiring new participants, and showcasing the incredible standard of riding we have here in Scotland.” 

One of this year’s highlights is set to be “The Big Air” challenge, where competitors get one chance to launch off a specially designed jump to see who can soar the highest.

In addition to the thrilling action on the water, competitors will also be entered into a large raffle with fantastic prizes up for grabs, including a £50 voucher for Ocean Vertical, an alpaca trekking experience with John Muir Alpacas, £25 voucher and bottle of wine from The Creel, a dryrobe from SkyMonster, bottle of gin from NB Gin, two free sessions at Lost Shore, tickets to Town Loch’s Boat Party, and more. 

For more information, to register as a rider, visit https://foxlake.citizenticket.com/events/foxlake-adventures/wakeboarding/, and follow foxlake_adventures on Facebook and Instagram. 

Event Details:

Foxlake Adventures, East Lothian

Saturday 09 August 2025

Time: 11:00 – 17:00 

All ages welcome 

EIFF 2025: – Films on Today’s Most Urgent Global Issues

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 14 -20 AUGUST

Put Your Soul On Your Hand and Walk | UK Premiere

Director: Sepideh Farsi. Documentary Feature. France, Palestine, Iran. 2025. 1hr 50min.

A wrenching and timely documentary composed of video calls with Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona, who documented the horrors unfolding in Gaza before she was killed in an Israeli airstrike. A haunting and deeply personal account of war, journalism, and the human cost of conflict.

Sanatorium | UK Premiere

Director: Gar O’Rourke. Documentary Feature. Ireland, Ukraine, France. 2025. 1hr 31min.

Set in a crumbling Soviet-era health resort in war-torn Ukraine, this humane and quietly powerful documentary captures the surreal coexistence of everyday life and looming violence. A rare and intimate perspective on the psychological toll of war.

Cutting Through Rocks | UK Premiere

Directors: Sara Khaki, Mohammadreza Eyni. Documentary Feature. Iran, Germany, US, Netherlands, Qatar, Chile, Canada. 2025. 1hr 34min.

Sara Shahverdi, the first female councilwoman in an Iranian village, teaches girls to ride motorcycles and resist child marriage—until her activism is deemed suspicious. A timely and courageous portrait of resistance in the face of systemic patriarchy.

Case 137 (Dossier 137) | International Premiere

Director: Dominik Moll. Narrative Feature. France. 2025. 1hr 55min.

A gripping police thriller that delves into the aftermath of a civilian injury on the streets of Paris. As Internal Affairs investigates, they uncover a web of evasion and institutional cover-ups. A razor-sharp reflection of today’s global reckoning with police brutality and systemic injustice.

Brides | European Premiere

Director: Nadia Fall. Narrative Feature. United Kingdom. 2025. 1hr 33min.

Two disillusioned teenage girls from the UK embark on a dangerous journey to the Syrian border. A bold and emotionally charged exploration of radicalisation, girlhood, and the search for belonging in a fractured world.

About A Hero | UK Premiere

Director: Piotr Winiewicz. Documentary Feature. Denmark, Germany, United States. 2024. 1hr 25min.

An AI-generated version of Werner Herzog narrates a deepfake crime mystery in this eerie and provocative documentary. A surreal and satirical look at the rise of artificial intelligence, misinformation, and the blurring of truth in the digital age.