��������

Students had the opportunity to hear from biomedical science professionals and research academics about their career pathways and learn more about the diverse opportunities available within the profession.

Combining career-focused presentations with practical laboratory experiences, the event was organised and delivered by �������� academics Tahmina Hussain and Matthew Jones, Programme Leads for Biomedical Science courses, alongside Lloyd Mcleggon-Watkinson, Biomedical Scientist in Virology, UKHSA at Manchester Foundation Trust and �������� alumnus.

Student attendees were invited to take part in a series of hands-on activities within the laboratory – activities included DNA extraction, blood clotting investigations, physiology demonstrations, blood typing, microbiology swab testing and histology body tour. Students also received an introduction to laboratory safety and personal protective equipment before entering the practical sessions.

Tahmina Hussain, Programme Lead for the Applied Biomedical Science Degree Apprenticeship, said: “Biomedical scientists play a vital role in patient care, yet many young people are unaware of the diverse and rewarding careers available within the profession. 

Outreach and public engagement events like this provide students with the opportunity to explore biomedical science in a hands-on environment, meet professionals working in the field and gain insight into the many pathways within healthcare science. 

It was fantastic to see so much engagement from the students throughout the day and we hope the experience has inspired some of them to consider a future career in biomedical science.”

The Biomedical Science Discovery Day forms part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness of biomedical science and encourage young people to consider careers within healthcare science and laboratory medicine. 

Dr Matthew Jones, Programme Lead for BSc Biomedical Science, said: “Providing opportunities for students to be exposed to Biomedical Science and higher education lays the foundation for building the next generation of biomedical scientists whilst increasing awareness of the discipline. 

It was fantastic to see so many students, all of whom were from widening participation backgrounds, participating in the activities to better understand the diversity of opportunities that are available to them in the field of laboratory medicine.”

The organizers also received support from student volunteers – Samirah Talukdar, Senuthi Mallikarachchi, Favour Ekwueme-Ugorji and Zara Akhtar.

Demonstrating one of the many routes into a rewarding healthcare science career, a highlight of the day was a presentation from an apprentice alumnus who is now a qualified Biomedical Scientist.

Lloyd Mcleggon-Watkinson said: “School and college students are the Biomedical Scientists of tomorrow; therefore, I found it important to tell them they can remain authentic in the professional environment but also benefit patient care. 

It can be difficult to relate and almost seem like a different world, but there was so much interest from them about Biomedical Science and higher education - I hope that I inspired them enough to be confident in potential career paths, as the group was such a diverse mix and I am positive each one of them could really make a difference in the industry and to the patients we serve.”