Some of the UK and Ireland’s leading exponents of Biomedical Science teaching and research are in Coleraine this week for the annual general conference of the Heads of University Centres of Biomedical Sciences (HUCBMS).  

The three day programme will include a series of presentations on a variety of related topics ranging from biomedical science research and its relevance to the health service today to how the latest innovations in teaching and learning can help meet the changing needs of modern healthcare professionals. 

Dr Mary Hannon-Fletcher, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at Coleraine and chair of the organising committee explains that HUCBMS was established in 1992 to raise the profile of Biomedical Science Teaching and Research in the UK.“This includes the promotion of quality in biomedical science teaching and research, ensuring that adequate funding is available to departments of biomedical science, and providing benchmarks for model curricula.

“HUCBMS also acts as a pressure group and source of advice to relevant external bodies to promote the exchange of views, dissemination of information and collaboration between member institutions.”The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the new system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. It replaces the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) and will be completed in 2014.

Dr Hannon-Fletcher continues: “We’ve put together a broad and challenging programme with sessions on: Research looking at REF2014 and translational research; Education and Training with presentations on Modernising Healthcare Science careers and postgraduate training. 

“The second annual meeting was held here on the Coleraine campus back in 1994 so we’re delighted to welcome HUCBMS delegates back here for the 2011 meeting.

”The School of Biomedical Science at Ulster’s Coleraine campus is the largest School in the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences. It offers IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Sciences) accredited programmes, both distance learning and on campus provision, in Biomedical Science. In 2005, the School celebrated 25 years of Biomedical Science delivery at Ulster. 

Caption:
Dr Mary Hannon-Fletcher