The British Society for Developmental Biology (BSDB) is one of the world’s longest-established societies dedicated to the study of developmental biology. Since its origins in 1948, the Society has brought together researchers, educators, students and professionals who share a fascination with how living organisms grow, develop and regenerate.
Today, the BSDB provides a welcoming and inclusive community for anyone with an interest in developmental biology, from undergraduate students taking their first steps in research to internationally recognised leaders in the field.
Founded in 1948
1,000+ members worldwide
Grants and travel funding available
Annual meetings and specialist events
The aims of
the BSDB are:
- To advance research and teaching in those aspects of animal and plant biology that are connected with developmental processes
- To further public education
- To bring together scientists interested in developmental biology by holding high quality scientific meetings
In furthering these aims, the Society also undertakes the following:
- Represents developmental biology to external organisations in the UK and Europe
- Offers limited travel grants to members
- Negotiates reduced subscriptions to key developmental biology journals for members
The full BSDB Constitution can be viewed here.
BSDB History & Newsletters
The BSDB’s history started with the foundation of “The (London) Embryologists’ Club” in 1948. To learn more, download the article “A short history of the BSDB“ by Jonathan Slack or read the blog post by Andreas Prokop about the BSDB Archive.
The BSDB Newsletter is published twice a year and informs about meetings, the financial status, a summary of news items of the term and any other matters arising. All Newsletters back to issue No. 1 from 1979 can be downloaded from the BSDB Archive.
Funding
The BSDB is supported by membership subscriptions, and by a generous grant from The Company of Biologists, who publish Development, Journal of Cell Science, Journal of Experimental Biology and Biology Open (BiO), an Open Access journal that aims to facilitate rapid peer review for accessible research.
Promote the BSDB & Developmental Biology!
Students and postdocs are often not aware of the conference/travel grants that the BSDB has on offer for them. To spread the news, a simple start can be made by putting up this poster at your institute or inserting this PowerPoint slide into your lecture file. Also, the BSDB has started an initiative together with The Company of Biologists to advocate Developmental Biology research – please, support us in this effort (more information)