By popular request and financial support from our sponsors, BioMedETC Revolution 2017 will be made more affordable and accessible to all postgraduates and science enthusiasts. BioMedETC will offer unique content in trans-disciplinary science and this time, guest speaker will share their insights revolving around the core theme this year: Revolution. There will also be training on science communication via rapid fire evaluation.
Hey peeps and biomedical scientists lurking out there!
First of all, Happy Biomedical Science Day! The 19th of July is the moment where the term ‘Biomedical Science’ first heard by the scientific community. It is also the day where Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) was first founded and formed in UK. Being the core institute that accredits biomedical science degree courses across universities, IBMS played a significant in developing interest in, and promote biomedical science to the public.
This post covers all you need to know (obviously XD) about IBMS and Biomedical Science Day in general. These details are taken from the IBMS website. It’s kinda like the previous Monthly Vibes posts, but with more details, so let’s get on to it!
The early days of IBMS
Do you know that the day was chosen to commemorate the IBMS founder? The institute’s founder, Albert Norman MBE was born on July 19th 1882. In 1912, 30 years later, he formed the Pathological and Bacteriological Laboratory Assistants Association (PBLAA), the association which later became the Institute of Biomedical Science, IBMS.
Initially viewed in the early 20th century as ‘unskilled menials’, laboratory assistants faced a public stigma of ignorance, despite having years of education and training. The PBLAA was created to combat the stigma and form a means of communication amongst the laboratory assistants, supply information regarding jobs and appointments, and assist in the advancements of its members, whilst circulating information concerning advancements in the methods and techniques of pathology and bacteriology.
The logo and motto of IBMS
About IBMS
With over 20,000 members in over 30 countries, IBMS is the leading professional body for biomedical scientists, support staff and students. IBMS have been dedicated to the promotion, development and delivery of excellence in biomedical science within all aspects of healthcare, and providing the highest standards of service to patients and the public. By supporting their members in the practice of biomedical science, IBMS set quality standards for the profession through: training, education, assessments, examinations and continuous professional development.
IBMS books published by Oxford University Press
Aim of Biomedical Science Day
The Biomedical Science Day campaign aims to raise public awareness of the importance of biomedical science and the vital role it plays in the world. Also, to celebrate and promote the significant work of our members and the important role they play in diagnosis, treatment and research. Being the broadest areas of modern science today, biomedical science has a range of essential roles covering many different disciplines. These include: healthcare, medicine, teaching, veterinary, research, forensics, journalism, the armed forces and management.
What you can do to celebrate the Biomedical Science Day?
There are downloadable resources for you to celebrate the day, your unique way. Materials such as Facebook causes and PDF placards are available for use. Do check out their website here. Also do give them a “Like” and “Follow” their social media accounts, especially their Facebook and LinkedIn accounts. Just make sure you have your own social media accounts to access these links. Or else, you could go to the IBMS Homepage and learn more about their roles and causes.
A screenshot of IBMS social media placard template
Everyone, let us celebrate Biomedical Science Day with purpose. Let us maintain our passion and determination in pursuing our cause. And let us make our Biomedical Science Day a special one!
Thanks again! Stay updated with IBMS! Stay updated with us, BioMedKL!
~ BioMedKL: Think Beyond the Lab & Share Your Ideas! ~
Many have heard about basic theories of physics: momentum, gravity and vector. But, do you ever heard about bizarre theories such as Schrodinger’s Cat, quantum physics, teleportation and even time paradox?
Created by Henry Reich, the channel has more than 3 million subscribes and has more than 300 million views to date! The aim is to introduce cool physic theories, some even seem impossible to happen and yet somewhat explainable.
Do explore these theories at MinutePhysics where these theories are explained in a scientific manner. Such bizarre theories are explained in terms of calculations and assumption theories, and sometimes it is unbelievable to even trust these findings. However, their content is good as general audience are able to understand the existence of certain theories, at least the “how” and “why” part.
Do check the YouTube channel here. Or, visit the Facebook page here for more cool physics!
That’s all and stay tuned for next month’s Monthly Vibes post. Also, stay tuned for updates from us, BioMedKL!!
~ BioMedKL: Think Beyond the Lab & Share Your Ideas! ~
Why don’t sheep shrink in the rain? Why wool made from sheep shrinks in the washing machine?
I came across a YouTube Channel: MinuteEarth, where they provide interesting scientific facts (sometimes theories) about the planet we live in, Earth! These interesting stories were created by Henry, Alex, & Peter Reich, Emily Elert, Ever Salazar, Kate Yoshida, & David Goldenbergwas. And it’s all about Science, on YouTube. There is another ‘Minute’ series on the YouTube, but we’ll save that for next month.
As false information and pseudoscience are increasingly viral, scientific information are necessary to educate the public like us, and therefore, necessary for educators and communicators to use interesting methods to enlighten and increase our knowledge on the basis of Science.
If you want to know more about happenings in the place we live in, Earth, you can message them via Facebook: @Minuteearth or Gmail: minuteearth@gmail.com; or subscribe to their YouTube Channel, Facebook page and Twitter. Their videos are free for viewing. Also, ScienceAlert are a big fan of their videos too (Psst! Check out what we wrote about them as well here)!
“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.” ― John Muir
In this 13th Monthly Vibes, we hope that you would explore more on Science on Earth! So, what are you waiting for? Explore their video and find out why don’t sheep shrink in the rain! Thanks and stay tuned for more updates and past events from BioMedKL!
BioMedKL: Think Beyond the Lab & Share Your Ideas!
Hey peeps! Last weekend, the BioMedKL Team kickstart the activities at two universities!
On last Saturday, 22nd April, we conducted a Resume Clinic with Universiti Malaya biomedical science undergraduates. It was fun, full of laughter and we were delighted to receive a positive response from the participants. Peer reviews and mock interview sessions were conducted among themselves. We also shared job insights in different sectors, hoping to increase awareness about various biomedical science careers. All in all it was an amazing opportunity to learn from one another from the Resume Clinic.
Posing with UM BiomedSoc President, Yong Chai!
The next day, we set up a Curriculum Vitae Clinic and Resume Dropbox booth and to witness the 4th National Biomedical Science Gathering at Universiti Putra Malaysia. The gathering was celebrated in conjunction with the Biomedical Science Day, as well as to foster friendship and networking among biomedical science undergraduates. Several universities took part in the gathering.
4th NBSG opening cermony
It’s posing time!
With that, we would like to thank undergraduates from both UM and UPM for inviting us. Also, stay tuned for more updates and other activities from us.
BioMedKL Team: Think Beyond the Lab & Share Your Ideas!
The concept is originated from Singapore and the centre currently based in The School (Jaya One), Petaling Jaya. Various school activities, events and workshops are led by Dr. Yen and Mr. Ravin, and are conducted by a team of trainers and facilitators. An interactive science learning for primary and secondary school students, the centre focus on role-playing as well as practical approaches in order to encourage kids to be more passionate towards science.
Their long-term goal is to encourage kids to take up science by introducing a different way of learning: by practicality and hands-on experiences.
So, if you are passionate in teaching and want to have a different exposure of interactive science learning, do visit their Facebook page or their official website to find out more about the academy! They are looking for collaborators, facilitators and trainers as well, so do look out for them!
Thanks and we see you in the upcoming month!
~ BioMedKL: Think Beyond the Lab & Share Your Ideas ~
Just wondering, have you seen a familiar face from the picture above? Do you want to learn more about science? Wanna get updated on scientific news? How about visiting a scientific resource known as HowStuffWorks at their website then?
Before we continue on, ahem… As all our previous posts, Monthly Vibes is all about introducing cool science resources that we periodically found and recommend it to our blog viewers and members of BioMedKL. We have various websites, videos etc. to recommend every month! Now moving on…
According to their website, they started off in 1998 at a college professor’s kitchen table. Their current team includes writers, editors, podcasters and video hosts which shared the things they love: the excitement to learn about science! With nearly 30 million visitors to the site each month, their site is awardedas one of the unbiased, reliable, easy-to-understand scientific sources, which, also explains on how the world actually works.
Their freelance writers are professional journalists and researchers who are experienced in writing various scientific articles. Not only that, their articles are properly cited by the writers, giving the assurance that their content are true and not plagiarised in any manner. Just don’t forget to contact them and ask their permission should you need to use their resources for various purposes. You can check out their FAQs for more information.
Anyhow, if you want to know the person from the picture, it can be found at their home page. Also, they have various secondary resources and materials in their website, YouTube and other platforms! Do check it out if you’re interested to learn more about science!
That’s all from us and stay tuned for our next Monthly Vibes post!
~ BioMedKL: Think Beyond the Lab and Share Your Ideas! ~
After graduation, most of you will be thinking what is the best career choice for you? For a biomedical science graduate, you will have either a research career or a diagnostic career pathway ahead. A few will choose to continue as medical doctors (MBBS) or pick a career which do not fall under research nor diagnostics.
However, most undergrads especially those in the final year of their study would be still wondering what are the requirements needed for various career paths that they want to pick.
Here is the basic requirements of the 4 highlighted career pathways.
1)MBBS
The most important requirement is your perseverance in continuing your studies. Those who continue would skip the 1st year of MBBS or at some universities, they will be allowed to skip the 1st 2 years of MBBS. The other requirement is money. To continue study for another 3 or 4 years, money is essential especially when in Malaysia, to get a second degree, the only route is to do it at private universities.
2)Research
Again perseverance is needed but for a different reasons. Late nights, lack of social time and negative results are very challenging obstacles to overcome for some. Even, for me, I still struggle to balance life out of the lab with life in the lab. Money is not a major obstacle as most supervisors have allocated pay for the students and there is no lack of scholarships either in the country or overseas. Another requirement is the practical knowhow of doing your research thus your experiences in Final Year Projects (FYPs) and internships are vital. Deciphering research papers have to be a normal daily routine as not all them are as clear as uni notes. Soft skills are highly needed as you will be presenting your work at conferences and lab meetings. Also they are vital for cajoling suppliers/science officers to get your discounts and sample test results in time.
3)Diagnostics
Diagnostics are divided to 2 types which are molecular diagnostics and non-molecular diagnostics. Non- molecular diagnostics are those which are antibiogram test, urine test etc., while molecular diagnostics are those tests which involve mostly the use of PCR.Both need patience need running the set protocols; no changes no matter how small are allowed in doing them. Diagnostics is a routine work, you will have to repeat them every day without fail, and the only difference is the workload. Molecular diagnostics work needs quick thinking and understanding of the patients’ history. You will have to be updated with the latest technologies available.
Soft skills are needed as well; sometimes you need to defend your results or be brave enough to say no to the doctors’ requirements of tests. Being a procrastinator is definitely a no-no as you need to keep the turnaround time as short as possible.
4)Others
Those who choose others as the career paths are truly the rebels. A new mindset is needed to be able to be successful. Perseverance, hard work and dedication is needed to accept the challenges of a job that you are not be trained for. The careers that you pick will definitely be out of the things you learn in the lectures. However, the rewards would be great if compared to the 1st 3 types of career paths. Soft skills will be extremely important.
I do hope that this post could enlighten you in deciding the careers that you are interested in. My advice is not to wait ’til you receive the scroll to decide as the needs of the working world is constantly changing.
With recent news on scholarships and research collaborations abroad, more Malaysian researchers seek out these opportunities via various channels such as student exchange programmes, internships and research grants. Euraxess-ASEAN is one of those channels.
Linking between ASEAN countries with Europe, the NGO provides free information on research funding, research careers and collaboration opportunities in various European countries. If you have read our post on our last BioMedETC event in 2016, then you would most likely recognise the speaker portrayed from the above picture. She is Dr. Susanne Rentzow-Vasu, a representative from Euraxess-ASEAN and she had previously gave a similar talk on various scholarship opportunities and research collaborations.
As there are more such opportunities, it is vital for us biomedical science researchers to update ourselves with much knowledge and to keep track on various news. If you would like to know more, do visit their main website at https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/
Also, do keep track on our Facebook page, website and blog for more news and content from us! Thanks for your support and stay tuned for more updates from us!
~ BioMedKL: Think Beyond the Lab and Share Ideas! ~
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