Industry-Led Future Biomedical Scientist Programme for High School Students at Imperial College London Campus

Course Description: Industry-Led Future Biomedical Scientist Programme for High School Students at Imperial College London Campus

📍 Location & Campus Experience

The Future Biomedical Scientist Summer Programme takes place in person at Imperial College London, one of the world's leading universities for science, engineering and medicine. Students live and learn on the Imperial College campus for two weeks, giving them a genuine taste of university life in the heart of London.

Beyond the classroom and laboratory, the programme includes an evening social programme and excursions across London, so students can explore one of the world's great capital cities alongside peers who share their interest in science and medicine.

🔬 The Future Biomedical Scientist Experience

This is a hands-on biomedical science programme for students who want to understand how scientific discoveries are made and how they reach patients. Every session is delivered by working scientists, so students learn directly from people doing this work today.

Over two weeks, students move from the fundamentals of how the human body works to real laboratory practice and the journey from discovery to clinical application. Practical experiences include:

• Extracting DNA

• Running a Western blot

• Preparing and staining biological samples for microscopy

• Interpreting biomedical images

• Working through the drug development pipeline, from laboratory to patient

• Visiting a working research facility

The programme also includes a Day in Industry visit, offering a first-hand look at how biomedical science operates in a professional setting.

📅 Programme Dates & Duration

• Dates: 12 July – 24 July 2027 (Summer 2027)

• Duration: 2 weeks

• Format: In person, residential

• Ages: 13–18

• Venue: Imperial College London

🎓 Curriculum & Learning Outcomes

The curriculum is built around four themed blocks, each combining practical work, discussion and problem-solving.

Step into the Life Sciences

Students explore careers across the life sciences, from the operating theatre to the research lab. They practise structured clinical questioning, take part in ethical debates and trace a scientific discovery from initial hypothesis to treatment.

From Cells to Systems

This block examines how the human body functions at organ and molecular levels. Students trace a real disease from its symptoms to its molecular cause, tackle a diagnostic reasoning challenge and take part in a specimen and diagnostic image workshop.

Outbreak

Students investigate a disease outbreak and build a public health response. They weigh up whether to invest in or abandon a drug, take part in a public health policy debate, and design and present a rapid research study.

Into the Lab

In this practical block, students carry out a hands-on DNA extraction experiment, learn how molecular biology is used in forensics, genetic testing and diagnostics, and trace an inherited condition to the specific gene responsible.

Field Project (Capstone)

Students complete a group research project designed to strengthen university applications. Professional mentors guide each group through the research question, research approach, written report and presentation rehearsal. Projects are then presented to a panel of external life sciences professionals for feedback.

Key learning outcomes:

• Hands-on laboratory experience

• Understanding biomedical research and experimental design

• Confidence working with scientific data

• Insight into how discoveries move from the lab to real-world application

🗓️ A Typical Day / Two-Week Overview

Across the two weeks, students progress through the four themed blocks in sequence:

1. Step into the Life Sciences – careers, clinical questioning, ethics and the path from hypothesis to treatment

2. From Cells to Systems – body systems, disease mechanisms and diagnostic reasoning

3. Outbreak – public health response, drug development decisions and rapid research design

4. Into the Lab – DNA extraction, molecular diagnostics and genetics

Days combine taught sessions, practical workshops, challenges and debates, with Field Project work and the Day in Industry visit woven into the fortnight. Evenings are given over to the social programme and London excursions. The timetable is a guide only and may be subject to change.

🏠 Accommodation & Meals

• Accommodation: Twin en-suite rooms on the Imperial College London campus

• Meals: Breakfast and dinner provided daily

• Lunch: Not included, so students should budget for lunch each day

Living on campus means students are close to their sessions and experience day-to-day life at a leading London university.

🛡️ Supervision & Safeguarding

This is a residential programme, with students staying together in on-campus accommodation at Imperial College London. Teaching sessions are delivered by working scientists, and professional mentors support students throughout the Field Project. The programme is OCN London Regulated and a member of the British Boarding Schools Network.

Families who would like details on staff-to-student ratios, safeguarding policies, or arrival and departure arrangements are encouraged to ask before booking.

💰 Pricing & What's Included

From £3,590

Included:

• Twin en-suite accommodation on the Imperial College campus

• Breakfast and dinner daily

• All course materials and resources

• Day in Industry visit

• Evening social programme and London excursions

• Certificate of completion and written tutor report

Not included:

• Flights

• Airport transfers

• Lunch

• Personal spending money

• Travel insurance

🌟 Programme Highlights

• Two weeks living and learning on the Imperial College London campus

• Every session delivered by working scientists

• Real laboratory techniques, including DNA extraction, Western blotting and microscopy sample preparation

• A visit to a working research facility and a Day in Industry visit

• Disease outbreak simulation and public health policy debate

• A mentored group Field Project presented to a panel of external life sciences professionals

• Certificate of completion, written Field Project report, written tutor report and professional panel feedback

• Evening social programme and excursions across London

💡 Who This Programme Is For

This programme is ideal for students aged 13–18 who are curious about biology, medicine and scientific research, and who want to see what a career in biomedical science involves. It suits students considering university courses in biomedical science, life sciences, medicine or related fields, who would benefit from practical lab experience and a mentored research project to strengthen their applications.

It is equally valuable for students who enjoy problem-solving, debate and working in teams, and who want to experience university-style learning in London before deciding on their future path.

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