The Learning Lab offers a range of activities designed to help you promote and actively engage participants in biomedical science.
Showcasing biomedical science to the public
The IBMS Learning Lab van is a mobile hub for engagement, designed to spark curiosity and showcase the vital role of biomedical science.
Whether you’re running a school careers fair, working with community groups, or hosting a hospital open day, the Lab provides interactive resources and activities to help you inspire the next generation and connect with your community.
IBMS members can book the Learning Lab free of charge, including a driver, to support their outreach events and help bring biomedical science to life.
The Learning Lab is taking bookings for 2026.
We will be adding instructions, user manuals, IBMS policies and risk assessments to the website over the coming months.
The IBMS Communications and Engagement Team will provide full information and support ahead of your event.
For all Learning Lab enquiries, please contact us at [email protected].
IBMS members can book the Learning Lab van for free, including a driver. To access our online request form, login to your account and revisit this page.
For all Learning Lab enquiries, please contact us at [email protected].
Before booking, please review the following details.
Audiences
The Learning Lab is designed for:
It is not suitable for university-level teaching or advanced laboratory work
Capacity
Internally, the Lab can accommodate up to six people at a time:
The activity area can be extended to the outside using the large external monitor, plus the provided folding table and two additional chairs.
The Learning Lab includes step and ramp access, making it suitable for visitors with accessibility requirements
Parking and site requirements
Dimensions
Please ensure the Learning Lab can safely access your chosen site before booking.
The IBMS cannot accept responsibility if access is restricted by width, height, or turning limitations.
|
Measurement |
Size |
|
Length |
7566 mm |
|
Width (with wing mirrors) |
2510 mm |
|
Width (without wing mirrors) |
2140 mm |
|
Awning projection |
2500 mm |
|
Step projection |
630 mm |
The Learning Lab offers a range of activities designed to help you promote and actively engage participants in biomedical science.
|
Activity name |
Information |
Suggested age range |
Notes |
|
IBMS Space Lab experience |
An immersive VR experience set in a futuristic space laboratory. Participants guide either a simulated blood or urine sample through each stage of testing, from sample collection to result analysis, gaining insight into how biomedical science supports diagnosis. Visit the SpaceLab page for further information: Equipment:
Where possible, the headsets will be posted in advance of the event. |
8–9 years plus |
Must be set up and run outside of the Lab. |
|
Under the Microscope |
Participants use microscopes to observe prepared slides and make observations. Worksheets are available for primary-aged children to record observations, which can be emailed to you for printing. Equipment:
|
All ages |
Slides from your Lab can be used. |
| The Power of Micropipetting |
Participants use micropipettes to transfer small volumes of coloured liquid into a cell tray. Introduces a core laboratory technique in a hands-on, low-risk way and can be extended for older ages. Equipment:
Suggested activities: Fill selected cells with coloured water Includes activity instruction sheet for IBMS members to set up the activity. |
6 years plus | Recommended to be run out outside of the Lab for younger children due to spill risk and damage to the Lab surfaces |
| Your DNA Bead Keyring |
Participants create a personalised DNA keyring using coloured beads to represent inherited characteristics. Introduces basic genetics through a simple, hands-on craft activity. Equipment:
Includes activity instruction sheet for participants and two versions of “About DNA” information sheets - one simplified for younger ages. |
All ages | Younger children will need help and supervision. |
| Educational Videos | Short videos explaining what biomedical science is and showing sample journeys. | All ages | Available on the laptops in the Lab. |
Support our public engagement programmes and connect with the IBMS membership community.