As I reflect on my year as President of the Biomedicine Society from 2024 to 2025, I'm filled with gratitude and pride. It's been a truly remarkable year, one defined by a wide array of creative, academic, and well-being events. From the adrenaline of paintballing to the heartfelt conversations at our final celebration, the society has grown into a vibrant, impactful community. Our efforts culminated in a major achievement: winning the Academic Society of the Year award from the Student Union. I'm Nafisa Ali, and it was a genuine honour to serve as president. Looking back, it's incredible to see the distance we've travelled and the community we've built, growing stronger with every shared experience and conversation. Our journey began with a memorable Freshers Week. At the Welcome Fair, our stall stood out with colourful cupcakes, jelly petri dishes filled with candy chromosomes, and freebie pens shaped like bones and syringes. We weren't just promoting the society; we were inviting students to a world where science, creativity, and fun intertwined. The engagement was phenomenal and set the stage for everything that followed. Following that, we integrated our committee into tutorial groups for Meet the Tutor Week, offering students a familiar face and helping to build connections from the very start. Our official Welcome Event soon followed, where we hosted a wine glass painting session as part of our BioArt initiative, led by Aadya and Sana. Paired with cupcakes and snacks, it was a gentle and joyful introduction to what would become a year of truly meaningful events. Balancing Academics, Creativity, and Wellbeing Throughout the year, our focus was on keeping our community engaged and balanced. Our tote bag painting session provided a creative escape during stressful weeks, while our monthly BioBook discussions, hosted by Areeba, created a calm, thought-provoking space to explore themes in science, ethics, and literature. These conversations helped our members feel heard and inspired. Well-being was a key priority. One of our most beloved events was a cosy afternoon at a Pug Café, organised by our Wellbeing Officer, Hirra. It was a perfect way for students to unwind and connect with both peers and playful pugs. Later in the year, we held a deeply reflective session led by a psychiatrist and Professor Caroline, where we discussed the critical link between mental and physical health. It was a powerful reminder that science and well-being must go hand in hand. To encourage physical activity, our Biosports initiative, led by Pramtiha and Maryam, organised badminton, volleyball, and basketball sessions. These events helped students stay active, relieve stress, and forge new friendships in a relaxed setting. Impact and Academic Growth One of the most rewarding aspects of the year was our partnership with KidsCan, a children’s cancer research charity. We organised fundraisers and encouraged students to volunteer, fostering a sense of purpose and compassion. This collaboration gave our members valuable experience and reinforced that science is not just about knowledge, but also about action. Our academic programming was equally strong. During exam season, we hosted study sessions with a reward-based challenge to help students stay on track and feel supported. One of our proudest academic moments was PassionFlash, a series of TED-style talks where students presented on topics they were passionate about, receiving feedback from Dr. Sara Namvar. Following that, our BioDebate on cosmetic surgery - "Empowerment or Harm to Society?” - sparked a well-reasoned, thought-provoking discussion, with the “harm” side ultimately winning the vote. Fun, Adventure, and Celebration. We made sure to include plenty of fun and adventure. Our paintballing event, in collaboration with the Networking Society, brought together 50 students for a day of laughter and chaos. We also took on the great outdoors with a scenic hike to the Roaches Trail in the Peak District, a joint event with fellow societies. Over 55 people joined us for a beautiful day of fresh air and stunning views. As the year ended, we celebrated with a Celebration Night. It was an emotional and joyful evening where we reflected on our journey, shared favourite memories, and honoured those who made it all possible. Certificates were awarded to recognise outstanding contributions, and we ended the night with food, music, and a sense of shared accomplishment. Looking ahead, our main goal was to ensure no student felt isolated in such a demanding degree. We aimed to build a community where people could express themselves, explore new interests, and feel proud of their university journey. Whether through volunteering, a debate, an art session, or a study group, we offered a space for every student to find their place. All our hard work was recognised at the SU Awards. The Biomedicine Society was named Academic Society of the Year. We were also nominated for Society of the Year, and I was deeply humbled to receive the Committee Member of the Year award. This year has been a lesson in empathy, leadership, and resilience. I’ve watched strangers become friends, anxious first years become confident leaders, and passive members become active contributors. To my amazing committee - Sana, Hirra, Hina, Aadya, Maria, Aweiye, Subhabrata, Naveen, Areeba, Pramitha, Maryam - and our extended team - Amir, Mukit, Wasik, Abeeha, Tanmir - thank you for your unwavering support, brilliant ideas, and infectious humour. You are the heart of everything we accomplished. And to our members, thank you for showing up and trusting us to build a society you could call home. As I step into my second term as President, I do so with an even greater sense of purpose. The Biomedicine Society has never been stronger, and I'm incredibly excited to see what we'll achieve next. With the foundation we’ve built, I'm confident we will reach new heights, bringing new ideas, deeper connections, and more opportunities for our members to thrive. The journey continues, and I can't wait to lead it once again. Here’s to another year of science, creativity, well-being, and community.