The Birmingham International Summer School (BISS) for Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Care, and Population Health Challenges is a three-week intensive programme designed for students in biomedical sciences, medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and related fields.
The College of Medicine and Health at the University of Birmingham is home to world-leading experts.
This unique programme reflects the University of Birmingham’s 200-year medical heritage and 125-year legacy as a civic university, bringing together a common theme that unites two pathways—each addressing different aspects of biomedical and healthcare challenges.
Students will first explore their chosen pathway before coming together in the second phase, where they will integrate their knowledge, share insights, and tackle real-world healthcare challenges collaboratively. This multidisciplinary approach highlights the interconnected nature of biomedical research, clinical care, clinical trials and public health, demonstrating how collaboration drives medical progress.
Programme Structure
Phase 1: Specialised Pathways
Bench to Breakthroughs
A research-focused track exploring laboratory science, molecular biology, and translational research.
From Clinic to Community
A clinically oriented track focused on patient care, communication, health interventions, and public health.
Phase 2: Multidisciplinary Integration – Tackling Global Health Challenges Together
After gaining specialised foundational knowledge in their respective pathways, students will come together in the second phase, where they will:
- Learn about and examine the interconnections between biomedical research, clinical trials, clinical care, and public health.
- Explore clinical trials and global health challenges
- Collaborate in interdisciplinary teams.
Each year, the summer school will centre around a key theme inspired by the city and Birmingham’s medical heritage, innovation, and the university’s civic commitment to health and well-being.