On Thursday 4 June, hospital laboratories, universities and biomedical science teams across the UK are marking Biomedical Science Day 2026 - the 10th celebration of the national awareness day dedicated to the profession behind diagnosis, treatment and disease monitoring.
Organised by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), Biomedical Science Day raises public and professional awareness of the vital role biomedical scientists, support staff and laboratory teams play in healthcare. Since it began in 2017, Biomedical Science Day has grown into the largest awareness campaign for the biomedical science profession, with hundreds of events taking place across the UK and millions of people reached online.
This year’s 10th celebration will see laboratories and teams bring biomedical science to life through laboratory tours, public stands in hospital foyers, live demonstrations, school visits, educational workshops and interactive displays. Many teams will also take part in national competitions, social media activity and the popular Harvey’s Lab Tours, which help young patients understand how samples are tested and how science supports their care.
IBMS members have led the way in making Biomedical Science Day a success over the past decade, using creativity and enthusiasm to showcase their work to patients, colleagues, students, policymakers and the public. Last year alone, more than 320 events were supported through IBMS event packs and funding, reaching audiences across hospitals, schools and communities.
To mark the 10th Biomedical Science Day, the IBMS is supporting members with event packs, bursary funding, digital resources, promotional materials, activity ideas and practical guidance to help make 2026 the biggest celebration yet.
Activities taking place across the UK will help people see the breadth of biomedical science, from blood sciences, cellular pathology and microbiology to transfusion science, virology, immunology, genetics and specialist diagnostics. They will also highlight the teams behind the science, including biomedical scientists, medical laboratory assistants, trainees, trainers, support staff and advanced practitioners.
Biomedical Science Day is also an opportunity to inspire the next generation. As part of this year’s celebrations, NHS Scotland Careers, Public Services Delivery Scotland, Healthcare Science and My World of Work are promoting Classroom Clash: Super Samples – Beat the Clock, a free classroom activity designed to raise awareness of biomedical science careers in primary and early secondary schools. IBMS members are encouraged to share the resource with local schools and use it as part of their own outreach activity.
Dr Sarah Pitt, President of the Institute of Biomedical Science, said: “Biomedical scientists and laboratory staff make a difference to patients every day, often out of sight. Biomedical Science Day gives teams the opportunity to tell that story in their own way and to celebrate the skill, judgement and teamwork that keep services running.
“The 10th Biomedical Science Day is a celebration of professional pride, but it is also a reminder of how important visibility is. People choose careers they can see, and the more we show the impact of biomedical science, the more we can inspire the future workforce.”
Members are also being encouraged to contact their local politician using the IBMS online tool, which allows them to send a personalised message about why biomedical science matters to their workplace, their community and patient care.
Biomedical Science Day 2026 activity will be shared across social media using #BiomedicalScienceDay2026 and #AtTheHeartOfHealthcare.