Engagement, Inclusion and Widening Participation

The Department of Biology organises a range of activities for both staff and students aimed at promoting engagement and inclusivity within the department.

There are regular events for staff, including social events such as the Christmas "mince pies " and Summer "ice cream" events. We also hold fundraising events, including those supporting Cancer Research and Toilet Twinning.

Students can join our Biosciences Society, which aims to bring people from all branches of the Biosciences degrees together through fun events, socials and excursions. Students can also undertake summer internships and placements in the Department to develop a range of skills relevant to graduate employment.

Students make a vital contribution to the enhancement of learning and teaching at all levels within the Department and University, including evaluating modules and programmes, acting as representatives on departmental committees, completing national student surveys, and serving on University committees and working groups.

Within the Department, students take part in the online science magazine, YorScience and Gradshare is a monthly event that aims to bring together Biosciences PhD students to learn more about the Department's academics and their careers. Biology students also work with other science students at the University to run the York Science Conference, and can join University organisations such as the Supporting Women in Science group.

Beyond the University

We aim to make the research performed within our research groups accessible to other departments, schools and the public.

We organise a series of Open Lectures each year, which address important and topical biological subjects in an accessible manner suitable for lay audiences. Admission is free and registration for Open Lectures is via Eventbrite.

Our staff and students talk about their exciting science at events from scientific conferences to talks to members of the general public. This includes participating in local events such as the York Festival of Ideas, YorNight and speaking in the Yorkshire Philosophical Society's Cafe Scientifique programme. Our staff and researchers are also involved in national and international outreach festivals including Soapbox Science and Pint of Science.

We have a busy schedule of school visits with approximately 30 local schools gaining a taster of practical science in our laboratories each year. If you are interested in organising a visit, please contact the Department of Biology. Details of University-wide services for schools are available at the University outreach pages.

Many of our staff and students are also directly involved with schools and can provide a range of potential inputs including career advice, activities and mentoring. Students also participate in the York Students in Schools initiative, a volunteering project that places over 500 students a year in local schools to help make a difference to school children.

More details about our widening participation and outreach activities can be found here.