Our Biological Science students have just returned from an action-packed visit to Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) in Barcelona, the most cosmopolitan city in Spain.  After touring the campus, attending lectures and experiencing life as a student at UPF it is easy to see why this university made it to the number one spot in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for a Spanish university.

UPF has links with several research organisations including the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), a world-class research centre devoted to understanding fundamental questions about human health and disease. Staffordshire students were provided with the fantastic opportunity to discover more about the latest cancer research. The group also spent time at the Institut de Biologia Evolutiva, exploring the use of laboratory cockroaches before visiting the high-tech marine research area studying jellyfish and observing the zebra fish breeding facility.

The Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) is one of the largest hubs of biomedical research in southern Europe, housing three generations of genomics sequencers in one room. We were privileged to have access to this facility for an awe-inspiring tour.

Staffordshire students spent time with their UPF peers discussing study experience together with plans for living and studying abroad. Students also managed to find time to experience the culture, diversified food scene, and visit a wide range of historic buildings and nightlife in Barcelona.

A first class visit to a very high profile university set in a stunning location – excellent opportunities for learning, opening minds and creating new opportunities!