Healthcare Science Week 2026

For many biomedical scientists whose work often takes place behind the scenes, it’s also a chance to start important conversations about their role and its impact on patient care.

The IBMS has long supported Healthcare Science Week to help improve visibility across the profession, and this year was no exception.

2026 also spotlighted Harvey’s Lab Tours, celebrating the biomedical scientists who volunteer their time to welcome young patients and their families into laboratories, helping to build understanding and connection to their healthcare.

Alongside this, the IBMS Learning Lab and VR Headsets supported activities across the UK, bringing interactive resources into hospitals, schools, and events. These tools helped turn complex science into something people could see, try, and talk about. A range of new digital resources, including video content, were also shared across social media platforms.

Keep reading to find out how sites across the UK got involved in Healthcare Science Week.

Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital, Margate

Teams across Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust celebrated by setting up several stands with fun games and challenges for visitors.

At QEQM, biomedical scientist Hannah Scholes taught people what happens to blood samples once they reach the laboratory, with a challenge to try putting vacutainer tubes in the correct order of draw.

Visitors could also see what blood looks like under the microscope and learn how biomedical scientists use blood films to help diagnose disease.

Hannah said:

It sparked some great conversations about how much happens behind the scenes in the lab to ensure results are accurate and patients receive the right care.

Biomedical science really is at the heart of healthcare. Around 75 per cent of all diagnoses are based on the results that the lab produces.

Alongside this, trainee cardiac scientist Ollie Coe and colleagues introduced visitors to cardiac science, explaining how tests like ECGs and echocardiography help assess heart function, and how devices such as pacemakers support patient care.

Ollie said:

The event also highlighted the patient-facing role of Cardiac Scientists and our focus on maintaining high standards of quality assurance and quality control within diagnostic services. 

As a department, we perform over 20,000 diagnostic tests each year, providing essential information to support diagnosis, guide treatment decisions, and inform patient care.

Haberdashers’ Borough Academy Career Fair

At Haberdashers’ Borough Academy, the focus shifted to the next generation.

Students were given the chance to try out practical skills like pipetting, learning about blood collection systems and how samples reach the lab. These activities helped turn abstract concepts into something tangible and easy to understand.

The IBMS Space Lab recieved a lot of attention, with students stepping into a virtual pathology environment with a VR Headset. It was a big highlight, and an opportunity to learn about biomedical science in a way that felt immersive.
 

Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHSFT

For Healthcare Science Week, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHSFT celebrated with an event titled 'Discover Careers in Biomedical Science'. It was delivered by the fantastic Blood Sciences, Cellular Pathology and Microbiology teams.

Welcoming students from local schools and colleges to a fully booked lecture hall, this successful event was followed by an interactive session.

The event was a wonderful way of showcasing the vital work happening in laboratories every day to support the diagnosis and treatment of disease, and highlighted pathways into biomedical science and working as a doctor in pathology.

University of Lancashire

At the University of Lancashire, Healthcare Science Week included a biosciences conference where IBMS Past President Joanna Andrew gave the keynote address.

Speaking to students, she shared insight into careers in biomedical science, drawing on her experience to highlight the opportunities available across the profession. 

IBMS materials were also featured at the event, supporting conversations around training routes and helping students better understand how to get started in the field.

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

At The Christie, Healthcare scientists spoke with patients, colleagues, and visitors about everything from nuclear medicine to career pathways. Some of the most memorable moments came from simple, unexpected interactions, including a discussion started by a piece of uranium glass, which led into a wider conversation about radiation, risk, and medical imaging.

Elsewhere, visitors were able to try out a Geiger counter, offering a practical way to understand how safety is monitored in clinical environments.

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

At Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS FT, the week was marked by a steady build of visibility across the Trust.

The team had been highlighting the numerous specialities throughout screensavers and on their social media pages, helping to raise awareness internally and externally. The addition of VR headsets brought another dimension, allowing staff and visitors to explore the Space Lab and see laboratory science in action.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

 

Oldham Sixth Form College

At Oldham Sixth Form College, students were shown the world of pathology and its role in patient care.

For many, it was their first peek into a profession that often goes unseen. With the support of IBMS VR resources, students were able to explore laboratory science in a more interactive way, helping to bring the subject to life and inspire interest in future careers.

Royal Derby Hospital

At Royal Derby Hospital, the IBMS Learning Lab and VR space supported a Healthcare Science outreach day for students aged 14–17.

Students were able to take part in a range of different activities, including micro-pipetting, analysing blood and urine samples, creating DNA bead keyrings, and identifying abnormal blood patterns. These activities helped bring laboratory science to life and gave students a clearer understanding of how biomedical science supports patient care.

The Learning Lab provided everything needed to deliver the event, with positive feedback from students, teachers, and staff involved.

Healthcare Science Week gave us a chance to open up conversations about the work taking place within laboratories.

Through these events, healthcare scientists engaged with their communities and helped others better understand the role they play in patient care.

Thank you to everyone who supported and delivered activities throughout the week.