Exploring Medical and Biomedical Sciences in Italy

Key Information

Information

Application Deadline: 21/10/24 at 9:00 am

Opportunity type: Academic-led trips

Faculty: Health and Life Sciences

Ref: 10008993

Dates

Departure Date: 07/04/25

Return Date: 12/04/25

Costs

£500: the estimated cost for travel and accommodation (excluding any support). Students will also be required to pay for: UK (approx. £15) and in-country transfers (£50), travel between Rome and L'Aquila (£20) visits (£5), food and drink, visa (if applicable)

Funding

DMU Global Bursary: £200

Booking

Accommodation: Shared rooms will be provided in hostels in Rome and L'Aquila

Travel: Travel booked by DMU (students travel as a group)

Contact

General Enquiries: Global Mobility Office - dmuglobal@dmu.ac.uk

Trip Lead: Niran Patel - niran.patel@dmu.ac.uk

How to pay

Payment details: Students will be required to pay £300 as a contribution towards the cost of travel and accommodation after being offered a place on the trip. The DMU Global bursary will be deducted directly from the overall cost of the booking.

Carbon Levy

Student contribution: To offset the carbon emissions from the flight for this trip there is a £3 Carbon Levy for this trip which has been added to the total cost. Information about how this Levy will be used can be found here.

Eligibility

Second and third year BSc Biomedical Sciences and BMedSci Medical Sciences courses, as well as relevant MSc. and PhD students are eligible to participate on this opportunity. There is a maximum of 30 places available, with a minimum of 15 participants required for this opportunity to take place. Students are recommended to check the eligibility criteria before applying.

About

This technical team-led trip to Rome and L’Aquila, Italy aims to provide DMU students from the BSc Biomedical Sciences and BMedSci Medical Sciences courses, as well as relevant MSc. and Ph.D students with invaluable exposure to cutting-edge research and technology. Students will spend five days visiting two prestigious institutions: Sapienza Università di Roma and the University of L’Aquila, leveraging existing collaborations with these esteemed universities.

Students should seize this opportunity to participate in a transformative experience that combines academic learning with cultural immersion. The trip to Italy offers a unique chance to engage with leading experts in biomedical sciences, gain practical experience with cutting-edge technologies, and explore a vibrant culture.

The core activities will include guided tours of state-of-the-art research facilities, including the Stanislao Cannizzaro Chemistry Building and the Guglielmo Marconi Physics Building at Sapienza. Students will participate in workshops focused on advanced biomedical technologies, gaining practical experience with the latest research equipment- at both institutions. A highlight of the trip will be a visit to the L’Aquila hospital, where students will experience diagnostic medical facilities and laboratories first-hand, providing a unique insight into clinical practices.


Why take part?


By immersing themselves in this enriching environment, students will gain a deeper understanding of the biomedical field while developing essential skills for their future careers. This trip is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, fostering collaboration and teamwork among participants.

By participating, students will enhance their technical skills, broaden their global perspectives, and develop valuable professional networks. The combination of academic rigor and cultural exploration makes this trip an enriching experience that will contribute significantly to their personal and professional development.


The estimated total cost for travel and accommodation for this trip to Rome and L’Aquila is £500. Students will be expected to pay the remaining amount after the £200 DMU Global bursary is deducted from the total.

Learning objectives

The primary objectives of this trip are:

  • To enhance students’ academic knowledge, cultural awareness, and professional skills,
  • To gain first-hand experience advanced research techniques and diagnostic technologies, enriching their understanding of biomedical sciences,
  • To develop networking skills and build relationships with international students and academics, which may lead to future collaborations or career opportunities

To maximise learning outcomes, a series of pre-trip activities will be implemented. Before the trip, students will participate in preparatory workshops that cover Italian culture and etiquette, and discussions on the academics, research groups, and equipment they will encounter. Additionally, we will organise virtual talks with faculty members from the partner universities to provide insights into their work and expectations.


Cultural activities

In addition to the academic focus, this trip offers students a rich array of cultural activities designed to enhance their overall experience in Italy. While in Rome, students may explore iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and Vatican City, immersing themselves in the historical and architectural marvels that define the city. Guided tours will provide insights into the significance of these sites, deepening their appreciation for Italy’s rich cultural heritage.

Students will also have the opportunity to visit various museums galleries coordinated by Sapienza Università di Roma, which house unique collections in anthropology, anatomy, medicine, and contemporary art. These visits will not only complement their academic pursuits but also enrich their understanding of Italy’s contributions to science and the arts.

In L’Aquila, participants will engage with the local community, experiencing firsthand the intersection of science and culture. Additionally, organised meals at traditional Italian restaurants will allow students to savor authentic regional cuisine, fostering a connection with local traditions. Free time will enable students to explore charming neighborhoods, visit local markets, and interact with residents, further enhancing their cultural immersion and understanding of Italian life. This holistic approach ensures that students leave with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Italian culture.

Visa Information

Due to various external factors and an unprecedented demand for international travel, there are significant delays in visa processing, as well as very limited availability of application appointment slots for some countries and embassies.

We recommend that you take all appropriate steps to secure a visa as soon as practically possible, and to notify DMU Global if you face any issues. It is your responsibility to meet the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to. Failing to do so may mean that you’re liable for the costs incurred to the university (including repayment of the DMU Global bursary).