Families in Armagh will be able to step inside a futuristic space laboratory and explore the science behind healthcare when the Institute of Biomedical Science’s Learning Lab visits Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in September 2026.
The mobile outreach initiative will be at the Planetarium on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, opening from 10am to 5pm on both days. Admission to the Learning Lab activities will be included free as part of the Planetarium visitor experience.
What visitors can expect
Created by the Institute of Biomedical Science, the Learning Lab is designed to raise awareness of biomedical science and show children and the wider public how it sits at the heart of healthcare.
Visitors will be able to take part in hands-on and interactive activities, including the SuperLab VR Experience. Set inside a futuristic space laboratory, the virtual reality activity will offer a close-up look at the complex processes involved in diagnosing illness.
The programme will also include micropipetting, microscopes and pre-prepared slides, DNA bead stringing and other resources. These activities will help visitors explore biomedical science careers, learn what happens to patient samples and see what the inside of a laboratory looks like.
A team of STEM Ambassadors working across biomedical science and healthcare will be available alongside members of the Institute of Biomedical Science. They will engage with visitors, answer questions and provide insight into the work carried out behind the scenes of healthcare.
Bringing laboratory science to Armagh
Dr Hanagh Winter, who leads the STEM Ambassadors programme in Northern Ireland at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, said the visit grew from a connection involving Karen Goodall, a STEM Ambassador from HSCNI, who identified the Planetarium as a potential venue and helped bring the partners together.
“We’re delighted to welcome the Learning Lab to Armagh. This collaboration began with Karen Goodall, one of our STEM Ambassadors from HSCNI, who recognised the Planetarium as a venue for the Lab and brought the right people together to make it happen. It is a brilliant example of the value STEM Ambassadors bring through their expertise, ideas and professional networks. The hands-on activities will give visitors a real insight into biomedical science and the vital role it plays in healthcare.”
Emma Lockley, Events and Engagement Manager at the Institute of Biomedical Science, said biomedical scientists test patient samples and provide results that help doctors diagnose and treat disease.
“We’re really excited to be bringing the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Learning Lab, our mobile outreach vehicle, to Armagh Planetarium and giving families the chance to discover the fascinating world of biomedical science.”
She said the initiative would allow visitors to try activities for themselves and meet biomedical scientists who can explain more about their work.
“We hope lots of families will come along, have a go and discover just how much science goes on behind the scenes of healthcare.”
The STEM Ambassador Programme is managed by STEM Learning and funded by UK Research and Innovation. It connects professionals from a wide range of industries with young people to encourage lasting interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Further information is available through the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s “What’s On?” listings.