Launch & Consultation: Framework for the Accreditation of UK Bioscience Degrees

October 13th 2010, Charles Darwin House, London

On October 13th 2010, representatives from the bioscience and wider science community gathered in London for a presentation and discussion of the Society of Biology's newly developed Accreditation Framework. 

The meeting was attended by nearly 100 delegates from Universities, Business & Industry, Government, Learned Societies, Research Councils, Funding Bodies and Sector Skills Councils and was a unique opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the design of the Accreditation Programme and help guide its future development.

Keynote speaker, the Rt. Hon. David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science, addressed representatives regarding the role of the Society's accreditation scheme in supporting excellence in teaching and research.

The outcomes of the day's consultation will help guide the work of the Society's two accreditation panels; the Accreditation Working Group and the Accreditation Task Force.

Read the full press release here.

WATCH: View speeches by the Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science and Dr Mark Downs, CEO of the Society of Biology.

Read the full report of the meeting here. 

Dr Mark Downs, CEO of the Society of Biology, takes the Rt. Hon. David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science on a tour of Charles Darwin House following his speech at the Society of Biology's Accreditation Launch & Consultation event. To see more photos of the event check out our facebook page.

Details of the Meeting:

Speakers

• Rt. Hon. David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Universities & Science (View speech)
  

• Dr Mark Downs FSB, CEO Society of Biology (View speech)
  

• Professor David Coates FSB, Hon. Secretary, Society of Biology (Presentation Slides) 

• Miss Niamh Johnston, HE Policy Officer, Society of Biology (Presentation Slides)

• Dr Liz Lakin FSB, Chair of Accreditation Working Group, Society of Biology

Breakout Sessions

• The Accreditation Framework : is it fit for purpose?

• The Process of Accreditation: how can we maintain a flexible process, whilst ensuring a    rigorous assessment?

• Student Placements: how can Accreditation support opportunities for students to undertake industrial and research placements?

• The Future: what does an expanded Accreditation programme look like?