Biomedical Science Day

To celebrate #BiomedicalScienceDay2023, we are showcasing some of our Biomedical Science Staff.

First up we have Dr Claire Walker, who is our Senior Lecturer in Immunology. What does Biomedical Science Day Mean to Claire?

“As a Senior Lecturer in Immunology on the Institute of Biomedical Sciences accredited course at the University of Lincoln, I’m often asked two questions. The first is always ‘why immunology” and the second is “well what is so important about IBMS accreditation”? For me personally, few fields hold the potential to transform lives so profoundly as immunology. Ground-breaking discoveries and innovative treatments are reported every month in this extraordinary discipline, from CAR-T cells to gene therapy to cure disease. I can’t think of a single scientist who wouldn’t want to be a part of this innovative work which pioneers a new frontier in medicine. As for why I teach on accredited course, the IBMS is a professional body that represents biomedical scientists and completion of an IBMS accredited degree course is essential to becoming a registered professional who works in a clinical laboratory. The translation of the exciting novel technologies I describe into NHS pathology is entirely dependent on our accredited workforce and I undertook my teaching position here at University of Lincoln to inspire our next generation of scientists to lead the way in this field. Biomedical Science education is a powerful tool for progress in NHS pathology and I feel incredibly privileged play a role in it.”

What Does Biomedical Science Day mean to Michael, one of our Senior Lecturers in Biomedical Science?

“I have been a Biomedical Scientist for 15 years, and being able to share knowledge about my profession with colleagues and the wider public is something that makes me feel visible and valued.

I currently work as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Lincoln where we run an IBMS Accredited Biomedical Science course.  It is great to see just how popular this course is becoming, and how many students are aware of the importance of accreditation is to their prospects of becoming a Biomedical Scientist.

I am privileged to work with laboratories across Lincolnshire and beyond, supporting our placement students to work in diagnostic laboratories, gaining the knowledge skills and behaviours required to work as a Biomedical Scientist.

The partnership between the University and the laboratories is vital in ensuring we continue to deliver highly skilled and motivated Biomedical Scientists into the workforce.”

What does Biomedical Science Day mean to Dr Carol Rea, one of our Associate Professors?

“After 8 years of working in pathology and almost 29 years of teaching biomedical science, it means helping provide the next generation of biomedical scientists. I am proud to have helped hundreds of students begin that journey over this time. Initially at the University of Wolverhampton, moving to the University of Lincoln in 2002 to set up the BSc Biomedical Science, in response to local difficulties in recruitment of biomedical scientists. We started with just 16 students, several of whom I am still in touch with and are contributing to the service in a variety of ways. We have grown significantly since then with the current first year being around 130. In that time, we have introduced a placement year, largely placing students locally, an integrated masters to appeal to high achieving students and a foundation year to widen access. A key aim has always been to develop relevant practical skills and to put learning in the context of patient care, using case studies and problem-based learning. This is often in the context of interprofessional learning with other health professionals, emphasising the importance of working in a multi-disciplinary team.”

What does Biomedical Science Day Mean to Sue?

“My name is Sue and I have worked as a Biomedical Scientist for almost 30 years. In my current role as Deputy Manager and Training Officer, I support training in the Blood Sciences department at Lincoln Hospital. This included Trainee Biomedical scientists and students on placement with us to achieve their IBMS registration portfolio.

Being a training officer allows me to pass on my knowledge and to support the Biomedical Scientists of the future.

I am proud to support Biomedical Science Day.”

What does Biomedical Science Day Mean to Rebecca?

“As a new Biomedical Scientist at Lincoln County Hospital, I am very proud to be a part of this day and it is important to recognise the vital role Biomedical Scientists have in the patient pathway by managing and monitoring diseases and even aiding in the diagnostic process, this day helps us do that.

I studied Biomedical Science at the University of Lincoln and completed a placement year at Lincoln County Hospital where I obtained my registration portfolio and gained invaluable knowledge and experience. I would encourage any student that is given the opportunity to take a placement year as it provides brilliant laboratory experience, the chance to complete the registration portfolio and gives a great insight into the everyday role of the Biomedical Scientist.

I am very lucky to work as part of a multidisciplinary team at Lincoln, where we work in Haematology, Biochemistry and Transfusion. As a person who enjoys learning and being challenged, it is a perfect place to work as no two days are the same.

I thoroughly look forward to advancing my career and adding to my knowledge and in time, helping any further students and new staff that chose this rewarding career.”

Biomedical Science Day 2022

Did you know today is Biomedical Science Day?

No, I hear you say. Well, let me tell you a bit about it. 

Biomedical Science Day is organised by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), the professional body for biomedical scientists, laboratory support staff and students. The day is held on the birthday of IBMS founder, Albert Norman (1881-1964), and aims to raise the profile of biomedical science and to show that it is at the heart of patients’ healthcare.

Here at the University of Lincoln, we understand the importance of Biomedical Science and inspiring our next generation of scientists, whether that be through research and/or teaching.

Today we are celebrating by showcasing some of our students and staff. Hear from them and discover why Biomedical Science may be the course for you.

For more information on our BSc (Hons) and MBio Biomedical Science Courses, please visit – https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/bmsbmsub/