‘Unprecedented’ success for Northern Trust laboratory team at UK biomedical science congress

Rachel Calvin with a judge from the IBMS after winning the poster competition in the cellular pathology category.

The laboratory team at the Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) has celebrated a remarkable achievement at the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Congress in Birmingham, widely regarded as the UK’s leading forum for pathology innovation.

The event, which attracts the country’s top biomedical scientists and laboratory staff, is the largest of its kind and showcases cutting-edge research and clinical advancements in the field.

The Northern Trust made an impressive impact, with five entries accepted in the highly competitive poster competition. Ultimately, the team secured two overall awards, highlighting the Trust’s excellence in laboratory science.

Rachel Calvin, an Ulster University biomedical science student who completed her final-year project with the Trust, won the cellular pathology category, while Specialist Biomedical Scientist Richard Bell triumphed in the clinical biochemistry category.

Specialist Biomedical Scientist Richard Bell presenting his winning poster in the clinical biochemistry category.

Specialist Biomedical Scientist Richard Bell with IBMS judges after winning the poster competition in the clinical biochemistry category.

Gerry Duffy, Laboratory Clinical Services Manager, praised the team’s accomplishment, stating:

“This success places the NHSCT laboratory among the very best in the UK and reflects a truly outstanding national accomplishment.

“Well done to Rachel and Richard, and to our other biomedical scientists who were shortlisted to present their work at Congress.

“This was an excellent opportunity to showcase the research and innovation within our laboratories in both Antrim Area Hospital and Causeway Hospital, as we continually seek to improve laboratory services here in the Northern Trust and beyond.”

Specialist Biomedical Scientist Tobias Kolb presenting his shortlisted poster in the cellular pathology category.

Specialist Biomedical Scientist Rebekah Gilpin presenting her shortlisted poster in the clinical biochemistry category.

The recognition at the IBMS Congress underscores the Northern Trust’s commitment to advancing biomedical research and delivering high-quality laboratory services.

By fostering collaboration between students and experienced scientists, the Trust continues to contribute to innovation and excellence in healthcare across Northern Ireland and the UK.