We are delighted to announce that the Society of Biology has been given permission to become the Royal Society of Biology.

Granted by the Sovereign, acting on the advice of Ministers, this is a greatly welcomed recognition for the discipline of biology and the contribution of biologists.

Chief executive, Dr Mark Downs said:
“We need biology and biologists now more than ever before. The new status of the Society will help us to spread the word about the true value of biology and how it can contribute to improving life for all. We are absolutely thrilled.”

The Society is a single unified voice for biology: advising Government and influencing policy; advancing education and professional development; supporting our members, and engaging and encouraging public interest in the life sciences. The Society represents a diverse membership of individuals, learned societies and other organisations.

This change recognises the collective efforts of many individual members and Member Organisations to reflect and communicate priorities for the bioscience community through the Society, and provides clear acknowledgement of this collective impact.

The name of the Society will officially change later this year after constitutional changes and rebranding has taken place.