Event promises to shed light on vital role of biomedical scientists

An event offered to youngsters and the public aims to shed light on the invaluable work of biomedical scientists and how they support the NHS to mark Biomedical Science Day. 

University of Cumbria, Carlisle College and North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Trust (NCIC) are joining forces to offer students from Carlisle College and the public, the chance see how biomedical scientists work supporting doctors and other health professions to make the right clinical decisions every day. 

The event will take place from 10-2pm at Carlisle College on Thursday 8 June to coincide with Biomedical Science Day. 

There will be interactive displays, equipment demos, and competitions to raise awareness of what a biomedical scientist does and the wide variety of the work they carry out. There will be blood tests, biochemistry and microbiology, genetic tests, and spectators will see how tissue samples are taken and much more. 

The event has come about due to a partnership between University of Cumbria, Carlisle College and NCIC who are working together to raise awareness the profession and get it the recognition it deserves. 

Mark Magas, Programme Leader for Biomedical Sciences at University of Cumbria said: “Biomedical Science is one of the least well-known professions contributing to the health of the nation. Everyone immediately thinks of nurses and doctors when they think of medical healthcare. But biomedical scientists support the entire NHS through their vital work contributing to the diagnosis of infections such as sepsis, meningitis, and other diseases such as cancer as well as ensuring patients safely get the right blood that they need.” 

Carlisle College is hosting the event and tutors Vicky White and Jill Brown will be on hand to answer any questions.  

They said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming the University of Cumbria and NCIC to the College to host this event. Biomedical Science is a fascinating subject, and we are looking forward to welcoming those interested into the College to discuss the opportunities available and to give advice to those wishing to take those first steps into the sector.” 

Melissa Blaylock who works part-time as a lecturer for University of Cumbria while still working as a real-life biomedical scientist for NCIC said: “I am a proud HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist working at NCIC and a Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Cumbria. The clinical laboratory work I perform is varied, interesting and gives me a great sense of achievement knowing I am supporting patient care. It is an exciting time to be involved in Science in Cumbria, with several exciting career pathways!” 

Carlisle College offer an Access to HE Biomedical Science course which prepares students for higher education undergraduate degrees.  

The University of Cumbria offers two undergraduate BSc Biomedical Sciences programmes, including one with a foundation year. These options provide a clear route for people to develop a career in biomedical science in the county. 

The University of Cumbria has an exemplary record in educating healthcare professionals for the region. A new partnership between University of Cumbria and Imperial College London will see the partners work together to open a new graduate medical school in Carlisle in 2025. The new school aims to encourage more doctors to stay and work in Cumbria. 

Biomedical Science Day takes place on Thursday 8 June and is a national and international event led by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). 

The IBMS found that biomedical scientists felt that the profession was not as understood as well as other clinical professions and that their hard work was not being celebrated enough. The idea of Biomedical Science Day is to promote and celebrate biomedical science on the birth date of IBMS founder, Albert Norman. 
 
The event is free and open to everyone who might be interested in knowing more about the profession or finding out about their options to study. It will take place in the atrium of Carlisle College, 10-2pm on Thursday 8 June.