19 Jun 2026

Biomedical Science Day 2026 Activity Fund Round up

A round-up of how our members used the activity to promote the profession on Biomedical Science Day 2026

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

David Wells and Sarah Pitt Sarah Pitt The visit to NHSBT

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

The team manning the stall Some Biomedical Science Day goodies More goodies from the stall Cakes and bakes from the team

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

Cakes for the public Setting up the stand Leaflets on the table Blood samples on display Getting ready Biomedical Science Day freebies

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

The team with their display Waving the flags Collegues enjoying some bakes Bradford and Harrowgate Biomedical Science Day 2026 4 A colourful display Biomedical Science Day posters Test tubes on display Busy stand A magnificent stand and display

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.