Biomedical Science Day 2026 Activity Fund Round up
The Biomedical Science Day Activity Fund supports creative and engaging activities to raise public awareness of biomedical science and highlight its vital role in preventing, diagnosing and treating disease.
NHS Blood and Transplant, Bristol
IBMS Chief Executive David Wells and IBMS President Dr Sarah Pitt were invited to spend the day at NHS Blood and Transplant's (NHSBT) head office in Bristol. They were given a guided tour of the laboratories and facilities where biomedical scientists were testing blood and tissue samples. The tour showcased the breadth and impact of the Biomedical Science workforce within NHSBT.
Biomedical scientists at NHSBT work across a uniquely diverse range of highly specialist services, including Blood Donation Testing, Eye Banking, Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, Cord Blood Banking, Red Cell Immunohaematology, Stem Cell Immunotherapies and Advanced Therapies, Protein Development and Production, Molecular Diagnostics, Manufacturing of Blood Components, Component Development and the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory.
The scope of practice they saw reflected the critical national and international contribution of our biomedical scientists to healthcare.
Victoria Hospital, Belfast
Violet Linton, Clinical Microbiology and Virology Training Officer at Victoria Hospital in Belfast, treated colleagues to cupcakes and traybakes as a small gesture of appreciation for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.
She was joined by colleagues from across the pathology departments at a stand in the foyer of the Royal Victoria Hospital, showcasing information on the different areas of Biomedical Science and the important work our members carry out in laboratories.
They were able to speak with patients, visitors and hospital staff about what they do and how laboratory testing supports diagnosis and treatment.
It was great to see so much interest, with many people stopping by to ask questions and learn more about the profession.
The stand was well received, with stickers and key rings being particularly popular with visitors. Overall, it was a fantastic day that helped shine a light on the work of Biomedical Scientists and increase awareness of the role we play in patient care. - Violet Linton
County Hospital, Stafford
Akmal Sagheer, Specialist Biomedical Scientist at County Hospital in Stafford, successfully hosted a stall in the hospital's main atrium.
Akmal was able to put some faces to some of the familiar names from the different wards, including colleagues from the phlebotomy and oncology departments. Many of the doctors and nurses who visited the stand complimented biomedical scientists on their work and said they valued our contributions and our efficiency in processing samples to ensure patients receive the best care without compromising quality.
Akmal spoke to many visitors, including one woman who felt inspired to book a blood donation and wanted to get her family and friends involved, too. This demonstrates the impact that talking to the public about biomedical science can have, and visitors do reflect on what they discuss.
I spoke to one lady who got emotional talking about her dad, who has passed from lung cancer, and said thank you for our help and everything we do. - Akmal Sagheer
The visitors and staff enjoyed seeing the kinds of things members deal with behind the scenes, aided by the prop blood bags and the images of blood smears Akmal had prepared.
Bradford and Harrogate
Caroline Bown, Zeshaan Ejaz, Alice Stead and Laura Taylor from IPS - Integrate Pathology Solutions, a joint venture between Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust & Harrogate District Hospital, used the fund to buy pull‑up banners to help set the tone for their Biomedical Science Day event. Volunteers from Specimen Reception, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Haematology, Transfusion and Histopathology manned the stands wearing IBMS t‑shirts, which drew attention around the hospital and sparked conversations about biomedical science.
Members gave visitors an excellent overview of blood cultures, highlighting the 94% within‑4‑hours incubation success at BRI and discussing underfilled bottles (89%) with medics. Posters shared fun facts, including that 70% of diagnoses and 95% of clinical pathways involve pathology and POCT, and Harrogate added their own displays. - Laura Taylor
Chemistry showcased sample quality issues, analyser components, and ran a safe “try it yourself” immunoturbidimetry activity that children enjoyed. Haematology and Transfusion brought games, while Histopathology displayed blocks, slides, photos, puzzles, and their glove man.
Across the three sites, the stands were busy all day, with visits from the Trust's communications and executive team.
At Airedale, lab tours were held for staff across the trust to visit the department. Chief Executive, Foluke Ajayi, visited each department to see how pathology samples are processed. A cake competition and a joint Eid and BMS Day fuddle in the pathology seminar room made for a fantastic day with great food enjoyed by all.
Cardiff
The Cardiff and Vale University Health Board display included examples of samples from a range of departments, including biochemistry, microbiology, cellular pathology, and haematology. Throughout the day, they interacted with a wide range of visitors, including hospital staff and patients. Many people were
surprised to learn the extent of work carried out behind the scenes in the laboratory, with one service user even commenting that they had previously thought doctors performed all blood testing themselves.
The event was a great success in highlighting the important contribution of laboratory medicine and strengthening understanding among both staff and the public.
Isle of Wight
One of the objectives for the team at St Mary's Hospital for this year's event was to recognise and celebrate the dedication, professionalism, and hard work of their laboratory teams, who had faced many challenges over the past year, including the implementation of a new LIMS. To help promote the event, colleagues were invited to attend via the hospital's newsletter, the Trust in the Trust Times.
Throughout the day, staff participated in a range of activities and competitions, including themed dress-up challenges that generated significant enthusiasm and engagement across the different departments.
The event created a positive and inclusive atmosphere, providing colleagues with an opportunity to come together, celebrate their achievements, and strengthen team morale. Feedback from staff was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the recognition and opportunity to celebrate their profession.
A dedicated Biomedical Science Day display was set up in the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) waiting area. This area was selected to capture patients attending blood tests, biopsies, swabs, or other healthcare-related appointments who might have a current vested interest in what happens to their samples after their appointment.
The response from patients and visitors attending the CDC was exceptional. Demand was so high that we repeatedly adapted and expanded our display area to accommodate growing numbers of attendees and maintain opportunities for meaningful interaction.
They also welcomed local school students to the department for a dedicated careers event. Approximately 45 students attended across the day, and, due to the high level of interest, participants were divided into multiple smaller groups to ensure everyone could fully engage with the experience. This outreach included lab tours.
Dartford
North Kent Pathology Service (NKPS) celebrated and promoted Biomedical Science Day 2026 both inside and outside of the Pathology Department. Tables were set up in the hospital reception areas at both sites (Medway Maritime Hospital and Darent Valley Hospital) with volunteers from all staff groups across the Pathology Departments and the Point of Care team.
They were able to engage with fellow Biomedical Scientists and Laboratory Assistants, Healthcare Professionals, patients, visitors and those who were simply curious about the science behind diagnosis and treatment.
The event was hailed as a success by everyone who was involved.
