Academic Programme
Presentations on the use of AI in education and employment with Q&A session
AI: Friend or Foe
Presentations on the use of AI in education and employment with Q&A session
1pm – 1.30pm BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins
AI: Friend or Foe
Positive use of AI in HE - Prof. David Smith
AI in practice: What do employers expect and need
Speakers
Preparing for AI in Digital Pathology
Academic Programme
Preparing for AI in Digital Pathology
1.30pm – 2pm BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins
Academic Programme
Abstract
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in healthcare, graduates entering the biomedical science profession must be equipped not only with foundational knowledge but also with the practical skills and awareness needed to operate in AI-enabled environments. At NPIC, we are building infrastructure required to deploy AI in digital pathology on a national scale, with a strong focus on Secure Data Environments (SDEs) that enable access to imaging data for research and clinical innovation.
This talk will share insights from our journey so far, highlighting the infrastructure and frameworks that must be in place before AI can be safely and effectively adopted. From an employer’s perspective, we value graduates who understand these digital ecosystems - those who can navigate data governance, contribute to interdisciplinary teams, and engage critically with emerging technologies. The presentation will address how academic programmes can prepare students to facilitate AI adoption in healthcare.
Speakers
Alexander Wright
Head of Research Infrastructure, National Pathology Imaging Co-operative
Presentations on the use of AI in education and employment
Academic Programme
Presentations on the use of AI in education and employment
2pm – 2.30pm BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins
Academic Programme
Best practice for preparing students for placement and how to achieve consistency: Placement Bootcamp
Placement Preparation Swap Shop
Best practice for preparing students for placement and how to achieve consistency: Placement Bootcamp
2.30pm – 3.30pm BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 1 hour
Placement Preparation Swap Shop
The West of England Pathology Network hosted its first face-to-face Placement Bootcamp in September 2024, in collaboration with NHS Blood and Transplant. The Bootcamp was open to all students undertaking a placement within the region, from the University of the West of England and the University of Gloucestershire. It was designed to provide students with a firm introduction to key areas such as Health and Safety, how to complete the IBMS Registration Portfolio, quality management, and an overview of all pathology disciplines.
The two-day programme included four practical sessions and eleven presentations delivered by a range of Training Leads, university lecturers, and former placement students.
The Bootcamp featured hands-on training with laboratory equipment and best practices, aiming to give students a head start in their respective departments, reduce the time needed for individual Training Officers to cover the same core topics, and encourage the development of a student support network across the region.
Seventeen students attended the Bootcamp, all of whom have now successfully completed their Registration Portfolios. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with students valuing how the Bootcamp helped them understand how their learning applies to Biomedical Science roles in the workplace.
Speakers
Rebecca Woodward
Pathology Network Education Trainer, Histopathology Training Officer, West of England Pathology Network, North Bristol NHS Trust

Tahmina Hussain MSc CSci FIBMS
IBMS Council Member and Programme Lead for Applied Biomedical Science Degree, University of Salford, Manchester
Student experience, expectations and employability: How do we support students to succeed?
Placement Preparation Swap Shop
Student experience, expectations and employability: How do we support students to succeed?
4pm – 5pm BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 1 hour
Placement Preparation Swap Shop
Glenn will explore how intergenerational perspectives affect student experiences and staff expectations. He will share his thoughts and findings on common sources of friction that may present as barriers to learning, and flash points for anxiety and stress.
Speakers
Dr Lowri Mainwaring
Associate Dean Policy and Culture, Cardiff Metropolitan University
