Biomedical Science Day - 4th June 2026
Inspiring the next generation through Super Samples
Biomedical Science Day, taking place on Thursday 4th June 2026, is an opportunity to celebrate the vital role biomedical scientists play at the heart of healthcare and to inspire young people to see science as a route into meaningful NHS careers.
Working behind the scenes in NHS Scotland laboratories, biomedical scientists support around 70% of clinical decisions, contributing to diagnosis, treatment, patient safety and public health every day. This year, NHS Scotland Careers and partners are bringing biomedical science careers to life for schools through the Super Samples: Beat the Clock Challenge.
Super Samples:
Bringing Biomedical Science Careers into the Classroom
Super Samples is an interactive classroom / STEM engagement resource developed by My World of Work (Skills Development Scotland) in association with NHS Education for Scotland / PSD Scotland, designed to help pupils understand what happens to blood and tissue samples once they are taken from patients and sent to NHS laboratories.
Through a collaborative, problem‑solving game, learners:
- Follow the journey of patient samples through hospital laboratories
- Discover how laboratory testing supports diagnosis and treatment
- Learn about the role of biomedical scientists and laboratory teams
- Explore real‑world applications of biology, chemistry and data analysis
- Develop teamwork, communication and decision‑making skills
By connecting classroom science to real NHS careers, Super Samples helps make biomedical science visible, relevant and accessible to young people.
Join the Super Samples: Beat the Clock Challenge
To mark Biomedical Science Day 2026, schools across Scotland are invited to take part in the Super Samples: Beat the Clock Challenge, running from Monday 1 June to Friday 5 June 2026.
The challenge asks pupils to work as an NHS laboratory team to process as many samples as possible against the clock, mirroring real‑life laboratory practice. Importantly:
- Classes race against time, not against other schools
- The focus is on participation, curiosity and teamwork
- There is no pass or fail – every participating class is recognised
This approach reflects how biomedical scientists work every day to deliver timely, accurate results that support patient care.
A Simple, Flexible Way for Schools to Take Part
Taking part is easy and adaptable to school needs:
- Use the ready‑made lesson plan and Super Samples game
- Set a time limit that fits your class or lesson
- Work in teams, with pupils taking on biomedical scientist roles
- Optionally include one of the mock lab experiments from the lesson plan
All participating schools will receive a digital participation certificate, with opportunities for celebration and shout‑outs on NHS Scotland Careers and Biomedical Science Day channels.
Help Us Spread the Word
We’re asking colleagues, partners and stakeholders to share this opportunity with teachers, schools and careers advisers in your networks.
Schools are encouraged to share their involvement by:
- Posting a team score
- Sharing photos of teamwork in action (with no pupils identifiable)
- Reflecting on what pupils learned about biomedical science and teamwork
- Details and resources for a teacher’s guide and the game link as well as the lesson plan are available at Healthcare Science 'super samples' game for STEM careers
Suggested hashtags include #BiomedicalScienceDay2026 and #AtTheHeartOfHealthcare, helping celebrate biomedical science careers nationwide. Full details about getting involved in Biomedical Science Day are also available on the Institute of Biomedical Science website at Biomedical Science Day.