Between 7 and 12 April 2025, students from HLS took part in the first technician-led DMU Global trip. Taking students to Rome and L’Aquila, the trip showed students a wide range of equipment that they could be using after they graduate.
A long-standing connection
In 1596, the University of L’Aquila first opened its doors to students. The university has stood for centuries, witnessing invasions, earthquakes, and a G8 convention. In 2012, DMU and L’Aquila signed an Erasmus agreement, allowing students to travel and learn between each institution.
This established a long-standing connection between the two institutions – one that HLS Technical Instructor Ketan Ruparelia, who had previously collaborated with researchers from L’Aquila University, and Technical Asset Manager Niran Patel were eager to build upon.
Exploring Biomedical Science
Staff members from across the university can propose a DMU Global trip to enrich the student experience. Such trips have seen our students visit a huge variety of different places to bring their course to life.
As the first technician-led course at DMU, students gained valuable insight into the way biomedical equipment worked in both the University of L’Aquila, and La Sapienza in Rome. Each of these visits expanded the student understanding of technical careers they could pursue after graduation. Students had the opportunity to look at cutting-edge 3D printing labs, DNA analysis equipment and to explore anatomy and biochemistry facilities.
A Global future
Niran and Ketan are looking at the possibility of running the trip again in subsequent years, and would welcome interest from other technicians in HLS to help organise, plan and lead the trip.
The DMU Global experience highlighted the vital role technicians play in helping students contextualise their course content and apply their learning in real-world settings. This recognition also aligns with DMU’s ongoing commitment to supporting and championing the contributions of its technical staff.
An article about the experience has also appeared in the University of L’Aquila newsletter.