Learning Lab

Showcasing biomedical science to the public

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Bring the Learning Lab to your event

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.

Who can book the Learning Lab?

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.

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When will the Learning Lab be ready for use?

The Learning Lab is taking bookings for 2026.

Support and guidance

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].

Book the Learning Lab

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].

 

IBMS Learning Lab – Member Booking Information

Before booking, please review the following details.

Audience and capacity

Audiences

The Learning Lab is designed for:

  • Primary and secondary schools / Sixth Form Colleges (suggested year groups: Y1–Y13)
  • Public engagement events such as hospital open days/education events/science festivals
  • Harvey’s Lab Tours where it is not possible to hold the tours in your laboratory, or for promoting the tours outside the hospital.

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:

  • Five learners seated at the benches
  • One IBMS member leading the activities

The activity area can be extended to the outside using the large external monitor, plus the provided folding table and two additional chairs. 

Accessibility

The Learning Lab includes step and ramp access, making it suitable for visitors with accessibility requirements

Member supervision and responsibility

  • An IBMS member must be present at all times when the Learning Lab is in use.
  • At least two people must be present to run activities.
  • Members are responsible for leading and managing activities during sessions.
  • Full instructions and guidance will be provided in advance to help you prepare.

Delivery, setup and post event

  • The Lab will be driven to your event by an IBMS representative.
  • You will need to be on-site when they arrive to direct them to the parking location.
  • The driver will help you prepare the Lab for use.
  • Please allow at least 60–90 minutes for setup before activities begin.
    This includes parking, levelling, connecting power, and setting up the activities and resources.
  • After your event, you will need to pack the Lab up with assistance from the driver.
  • Cleaning equipment will be available onboard.

Parking, site requirements and vehicle dimensions

Parking and site requirements

  • The Lab must be parked on level ground for safety.
  • Although it includes built-in levelling equipment, we strongly recommend choosing as flat an area as possible.
  • Please ensure the site has enough space for - access, parking, manoeuvring the Lab into position and safe public movement around the Lab.

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

Power supply

  • Access to a 13-amp plug socket is required to ensure the Lab has power. It is the member's responsibility to arrange access in advance
  • The Lab has a vehicle charging cable which is around 10m in length.

Insurance and safety

  • The Learning Lab and its equipment are covered under IBMS insurance when used by IBMS members.
  • Members are responsible for ensuring that activities are conducted safely and in accordance with the provided risk assessments and guidance.

On board activities

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:

  • X2 VR headsets
  • AA batteries will be available in the lab, but please bring additional spares in case the supplied ones run out
  • Space Lab stickers for participants
  • VR user guide required for set-up

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:

  • X 4 micropipettes
  • Cell trays
  • Pipette tips
  • Food colouring
  • Spill trays
  • Plastic containers for clean and used tips
  • Folding bucket
  • Poster – The Power of Micropipetting

Suggested activities:

Fill selected cells with coloured water
Play noughts and crosses
Create simple pipetting artwork – you will need to provide templates/instructions.

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:

  • Coloured beads
  • Thread
  • Keyring hooks
  • Trays
  • Glue (if required)
  • Scissors

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.