IBMS newsletter for members
February 2026 - Latest news
ENTRY DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR IBMS AWARDS 2026  BIG news - and your final opportunity to enter! The IBMS Awards entry deadline has been extended for one final week, giving you until 13 February 2026 to submit your entries.
This extension gives you extra time to refine your submissions and ensure your achievements receive the recognition they deserve across the biomedical science community and beyond.
Haven’t started your entry yet? There’s still time - but not much. Take this opportunity to explore the available categories and download your entry form today.
News Dr Sarah Pitt inaugurated as IBMS President  IBMS President Dr Sarah Pitt has been officially inaugurated as president at a ceremony in London on 5th February. The ceremony took place at the IBMS's Headquarters in London following the beginning of Sarah's presidency on 1st January 2026. More news
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| 5th February 2026 |
| Toby's Lab Tour at UHBW |
| A visit to the lab can give young patients a new perspective on their healthcare, helping them see more clearly how the tests they have are linked to the treatment they receive |
| Blog |
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Healthcare Science Week 2026  Healthcare Science Week is back for 2026, and we encourage you to take part and join in the celebrations. Taking place between 9 to 15 March, it is an annual celebration and awareness-raising for the many careers in healthcare science. Every year, the event highlights the incredible work of biomedical scientists, support staff, and students. It is an invaluable opportunity to promote our work to the communities we serve and to other healthcare professionals, and to inspire the next generation of biomedical scientists. Our website has a handy guide of things you can do to get involved
 Becoming an IBMS Council member offers an excellent opportunity for members to contribute significantly to the future direction of the IBMS and the profession, and to use your experience to develop the IBMS, while broadening your skills and networks.
Catch up on your CPD with IBMS resources
Advancing Healthcare Awards 2026  The Advancing Healthcare Awards 2026 are open for entry. It is open to UK allied health professionals, healthcare scientists and those working alongside them. We're once again sponsoring the award of Biomedical Scientist of the Year. Closing date for applications is 16th March.
DALE project - Access Assessment Review  The Dale project invites all individuals interested in lab access to review the proposed disability assessment for labs.
- Version 1 of their assessment
- Review version 1 of their assessment
DALE Interview They also need to interview people with experience of using the labs of the Eastern Academic Research Consortium Imaging Platform Alliance (University of East Anglia (UEA), University of Essex, University of Kent, and University of Sussex) or UEA’s New Science or Productivity East labs, who have an interest in disability access.
Book an interview -Book time with May Gauntlett (HSC - Staff): DALE Interview
NIHR Predoctoral Award  The NIHR Predoctoral Award is now open for applications. The award supports aspiring early-career researchers to advance their health and social care research careers at master’s level. Applications close 12 March 2026. The scheme is open to a wide range of applicants, including:
- health and social care professionals
- individuals based in local authority settings
- individuals based in primary care settings
- Methodologists
The NIHR Predoctoral award provides:
- Full salary, including contribution to national insurance
- Either a full master's fees at the UK rate or £5000 per full-time year for a tailored masters-level training
- £1000 for working with people and communities
- £1000 supervisory fees
- £1000 conference fees and associated travel and subsistence
Events Upcoming Events
| 11 February 2026 |
| IBMS Support Hubs |
| Portfolio power up: Section 2, Module 5 essentials - Sue Jones and Jim Taylor break down the essentials of building a strong portfolio |
| Webinar |
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| 11 March 2026 |
| IBMS Support Hubs |
| Enhancing learning and training at NHSBT - Ruth Evans and Laura Eastwood offer practical guidance and real-world examples from their practice |
| Webinar |
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| 15 April 2026 |
| IBMS Support Hubs |
| Mental health and wellbeing - Tahmina Hussain, Tunch Akmandor and Caroline Topham share practical perspectives on supporting wellbeing in professional settings |
| Webinar |
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IBMS Support Hubs 2026  | 
