Under the theme “Nurturing the Minds of Future Professionals”, the conference provided a space for scientific communication, career guidance and the exchange of ideas in the field of biomedicine, bringing together students, researchers and professionals from a wide range of backgrounds. Over the course of three days, the programme offered a broad and multidisciplinary overview of the biomedical sector, featuring presentations focused on some of the field’s most significant challenges and recent advances. Topics covered included paediatric oncology, clinical trials, neuroscience, computational genomics, the pharmaceutical industry, mathematical modelling applied to nucleic acid therapies, and new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of endometrial cancer.

The conference featured contributions from leading researchers and professionals, including Dr Jaume Mora, scientific director of the Oncohaematology Department at Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Hospital; Laura Olmo, researcher at Thermo Fisher Scientific; Jordi Abante, researcher at the Institute of Neurosciences of the University of Barcelona; Santi Marfà, business development director at GP Pharm; Alba Sala, computational researcher at Nostrum Biodiscovery; Clara Bullich, postdoctoral researcher at IDIBAPS; and Eva Colás, co-director and principal investigator of the Biomedical Research Group in Gynaecology and chief scientific officer at MiMARK, based at the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute. They shared their expertise and professional experience across a range of biomedical disciplines.

A space to explore career opportunities in biomedicine

One of the key themes of this year’s conference was career development and professional guidance. The programme’s two round-table discussions explored the role of basic research and provided first-hand insights into day-to-day work in the healthcare industry. In addition, an exhibition area provided attendees with information about a variety of career pathways, including the BIR programme (Resident Internal Biologist), which remains relatively unknown among Biomedical Sciences students.

The programme also included a range of practical workshops and activities aimed at developing transferable skills. Participants had the opportunity to take part in initiatives such as a robotics workshop and an escape room, alongside sessions on enhancing CVs, science communication and funding opportunities within the biomedical sector.

Flash Talks promote emerging research talent

One of the main innovations introduced this year was the inclusion of Flash Talks: five-minute presentations that enabled undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students to present their own research projects. This initiative placed a special spotlight on emerging research talent and further strengthened the participatory and innovative character of CEBUIC.

“We are delighted with how this year’s conference has unfolded. Beyond the academic learning, what has been most rewarding for us is the enthusiasm, confidence and engagement shown by all attendees throughout these three days. The quality of this year’s presentations was exceptional, with experts contributing remarkable value through their knowledge and experience. As students, organising an event of this scale is a considerable challenge, but seeing such a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere has been immensely rewarding,” explained the conference organising team.

This year’s edition was made possible thanks to the support and collaboration of Genotipia, Farmandome, BioLynx and Adam Foods. Now in its fourth year, the conference has established itself as a valuable initiative that connects university education with research, innovation and the wide range of career opportunities available in the biomedical field.