IBMS Manchester Branch AGM 2026

We invite you to our AGM followed by a thought-provoking session exploring the future of biomedical science, with a focus on the growing role of artificial intelligence, automation and their impact on patient safety and the workforce. This interactive event will feature a live debate led by our panel speakers, Angela Jean-Francois (Managing Director of North West London Pathology) and Clare Ellis (Head of Operations Laboratory Medicine Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust) on two key topics:

• Does AI replace large parts of the biomedical scientist workforce?
• Has automation improved patient safety more than human expertise ever could?

Through structured arguments and open discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to consider multiple perspectives and challenge their own assumptions.

Participants will be encouraged to reflect on how technological advances are shaping professional roles, training and the delivery of safe, effective laboratory services, and what this means for the future of the workforce.