Aston University School of Biosciences has been shortlisted for the Institute of Biomedical Science Educational Institution Award.
The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) is the leading professional body for scientists, support staff and students in the field of biomedical science, and has 21,000 members in 74 countries. The IBMS held its first awards ceremony in 2024, to recognise and champion outstanding biomedical science practice, share stories outside the biomedical community and inspire the next generation of biomedical scientists.
Aston University is the only institution to be shortlisted for an award two years in a row. The other shortlisted institutions in 2025 are Liverpool John Moores University, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Bradford and the University of Portsmouth.
Aston University School of Biosciences entered the awards to showcase its teaching innovations, which aim to enhance student employability, and improve student engagement and skills development. Some of the methods include NHS-style mock interviews, IBMS-aligned portfolios, playful learning methods like virtual statistics escape rooms, and inter-professional workshops with other healthcare profession students.
The methods have boosted pass rates, confidence, and real-world readiness. For example, statistics pass rates have risen from 75% to 97%, and more than 90% of students reported that they felt better prepared for placements. Sustainability and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards are embedded across the curriculum.
Kayleigh Wilkins, a lecturer (teaching-focused) in biosciences at Aston University, who led the School’s application, said:
“Innovative and employability-based teaching, such as our NHS-style interview assessment directly align with employer needs. 96% of students reported better understanding of NHS interviews. The addition of HCPC-focused problem-based learning ensures students understand professional standards and workplace expectations of them as graduates.
“Our innovations are disseminated through journal publications, with our service user paper being one of the top three most-viewed articles in the special education edition, and national conference presentations, including award-winning talks. Staff are also hosting and chairing key national conferences like Horizons in STEM which further demonstrates our leadership in educational innovation.”
Professor Andrew Devitt, dean of the School of Biosciences, said:
“I am so proud that our biosciences team have been shortlisted once again for the Institute of Biomedical Science Educational Institution award for 2025. This is excellent external recognition of our commitment to the constant improvement of our accredited biomedical science programmes. Through innovation in teaching and assessment, the team provide an inclusive learning environment, taking a collaborative approach to drive progress for all and supporting the professional development of the biomedical science workforce of the future.”
The awards ceremony will be held on 4 July 2025 at The Brewery in London.