Biomedical Science, Clinical Care, and Population Health Research Challenges

Duration
21 July - 8 August 2025
Course Type
Summer School, Undergraduate

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.

Please note that the 2026 BISS is currently being finalised and this website will be updated later in the year.  The information on this page refers to the 2025 BISS to provide a flavour of our fantastic programme of activity which this year's students participated in.

 

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.

Besides the academic activities we had lots of opportunities to travel in the UK and interact with friends… The professors also made so much effort in the classes and made everything so clear and understandable, even in the second language.

Giovanna, Brazil

Why study this course?

  • World-Class Education – Learn from leading academics and clinicians at a top 100 global university.
  • Hands-On Learning – Gain practical skills in research, data analysis, and clinical techniques.
  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration – Work across disciplines to foster understanding in holistic solutions to real-world health challenges.
  • Cultural and Professional Growth – Engage in networking, career development, and cultural immersion in the UK.
  • Make new friends – meet and work with likeminded students from across the globe, as well as our current undergraduate students.
What to Expect
  • Laboratory Research & Clinical Training
  • Data Analysis & Critical Thinking
  • Global Health & Clinical Trials Exploration
  • Poster Presentations & Research Symposium
  • Birmingham’s Medical & Public Health Heritage

How to Apply

 


To be accepted onto The Biomedical Science Research Challenges programme you must:

Have relevant subject background: academic backgrounds in biosciences, bioengineering, public health, pharmaceuticals and medicine will be considered. Students must be able to demonstrate relevant subject background with a translated transcript.

This is a three week programme delivered by University faculty who are experts in their field. 

In previous years, students who have successfully transferred credits from our courses have received up to 20 UK credits, 5 US credits, or 10 ECTS. Students who wish to gain external credit should speak to their own institution to see if they will accept credits.

 On completion of the course you will receive a full transcript. You will also have had the opportunity to: 

Research relevant scientific material, applicable to a specific biomedical field

• Analyse and interpret clinical/biomedical data
• Undertake laboratory-based experiments
• Think creatively in group discussions about your research project and ideas
• Work as a part of a dynamic team of like-minded scientists
• Communicate effectively as part of a team
• Translate complex ideas into a comprehensible format for a lay audience
• Co-design and deliver an impactful poster presentation in a conference-like setting

Assessment Methods

This programme is formally assessed at the end of the three weeks with a poster-style presentation.

Please check with your home institution regarding transfer of credits. A pass requires a minimum of 40% in combination with a minimum attendance.

All students are expected to attend for a minimum of 90% timetabled activity. All students achieving this level of attendance will receive a certificate of attendance from the University of Birmingham upon successful completion of their course.