Scotland

Welcome to the Scotland Branch web pages

The Branch promotes activities that reflect the depth and diversity of work in the life sciences in Scotland.  Our calendar has a number of well established events.

The annual conference for teachers, held at Stirling University in June, is in its fifteenth year.  Such is the size and popularity of the meeting, it is now organised with the assistance of an independent events company.  Our AGM and lunch in November includes a presentation from by one of Scotland's notable biologists.  The annual Peter Wilson memorial lecture, run in collaboration with the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Consortium for Rural Research, is held at the RSE building in central Edinburgh in February, and, with its environmental remit, honours a former Institute of Biology Vice President. 

Other meetings - public fora, members symposia, careers events, and public lectures - are organised from time to time.  

In the education arena, the branch makes annual awards to to the top students in Biology examinations administered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority at the level of Higher and above, and also organises a poster presentation competition for university final year students.  Members are actively involved in the development of the Curriculum for Excellence.
 

Organisation of activities

The twelve or so members of our Branch Council are aware that activities should reflect the interests of branch members and the wider community of biologists across Scotland as well as the general public.  As a branch member, if you are aware of any gaps in our programme, there are always opportunities to apply your experience and enthusiasm to developing the calendar, either as a council member, co-optee, or on an ad hoc basis.  Please contact the Branch if you would like to help.
 

Where are our members?

While members in Scotland are concentrated in the Central Belt and Aberdeen, where in consequence most of our events are held, there is a scattering across the Higlands, Islands and Borders.  Members in these more remote areas may well feel the disadvantage of distance from branch activities.  The scale of the situation can be seen from the recent members distribution survey (attached file on this page).  

The survey shows there are clusters of members outside the Central Belt and Aberdeen with the potential for locally active groups.  It is Branch policy to encourage members in more isolated areas to promote local events with assistance from the branch budget where appropriate.  So, if you have ideas, and are keen to be involved, again please contact the branch.

Chair: Russ Clare CBiol MSB

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Secretary: Jeremy Bradshaw CBiol FSB

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Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
The University of Edinburgh
Easter Bush Veterinary Centre
Roslin
Midlothian  EH25 9RG