Inspiring future biomedical scientists at the NSCL Festival

This November, the IBMS took part in the National School and College Leavers (NSCL) Festival at Birmingham’s NEC; a prime opportunity to connect with young people eager to learn about their options for the future. The festival brought together England’s top employers, universities, colleges, and training providers, giving students, parents, and educators a chance to explore varied post-sixteen and post-eighteen pathways.

Exhibiting Biomedical Science at the IBMS Stand

The IBMS stand was stocked with leaflets, posters, and merchandise to help spread the word about biomedical science as an exciting and meaningful career. Alongside the communications team, three biomedical scientists joined the IBMS to answer questions, explaining the varied routes to entering the profession. Many students had never considered a career in biomedical science before, and the team really enjoyed opening up new possibilities for them.

Reflecting on the event, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science (Microbiology), Martin Khechara, shared:

The NSCL Festival is an excellent event. It brings together applied trades and apprenticeship study opportunities from forestry to Biomedical Science. The range of people we have spoken to is just brilliant, they are from all areas and all walks of life and are super interested in becoming a biomedical scientist! 

It was clear though that some still didn’t know what biomedical science was or the essential job it does in healthcare, its being at events like this that can hopefully change that!

The IBMS Space Lab VR Experience

One of the highlights of the IBMS stand was the IBMS Space Lab VR experience. Armed with VR headsets, students got the chance to enter a space-themed laboratory where they could simulate processing a sample — a fun, hands-on way to explore the critical role of biomedical scientists in healthcare. Watching students react to the VR experience was a joy; many were fascinated, some even surprised to see the intricate work that biomedical science involves. One student commented, 

“I had no idea biomedical scientists did all of this!”

The IBMS Space Labs VR experience wasn’t just a fun activity; it gave a real sense of what it takes to become a biomedical scientist, encouraging students to picture themselves in a laboratory setting. With plans to expand the VR program to include more experiments and other areas of biomedical science, the IBMS is excited about the potential for this interactive tool to inspire future healthcare professionals.

Throughout the event, our stand stayed busy with students and career advisors eager to learn more about IBMS-Accredited degrees, HCPC registration, and how biomedical scientists contribute to healthcare innovation. The enthusiasm gave a reminder of the importance of events like the NSCL Festival in helping young people uncover new career paths in STEM.

Looking back, it was inspiring to see so many students envision themselves in this field. With the success of our VR Space Lab and the dedication of our team, we hope we’ve planted the seeds for the next generation of biomedical scientists.