Purpose
Early patient contacts (EPCs) potentially facilitate students to connect theory, research, and patients’ practical needs. We explored how innovative EPCs in a Biomedical Sciences curriculum enhance students' understanding of the patients’ perspectives in scientific research.

Methods
To feature a direct dialogue with patients or public representatives, second-year biomedical bachelor students participated in three thematic EPCs modules: 1. Diversity: Students engaged with researchers and individuals with limited health literacy to understand the impact of these skills on research participation and outcomes. 2. Medical Ethics: Guided by patient representatives, students evaluated study-information forms for readability and created new forms for audiences with varying health literacy levels, discussing feasibility and inclusivity. 3. Public Health: Students assumed advisory roles in policy debates, led by patient representatives with public health advisory experience, to incorporate patient/public perspectives into complex health issues. In reflective reports students translated their experiences and observations into learning goals for their professional development.

Results
Student reflections indicated significant shifts in their perceptions of importance of the patient/public perspective in research and health challenges. They acknowledged the added value of integrating these perspectives into biomedical practice. Diversity-related modules, particularly interactions with individuals with low literacy, were deemed most impactful. Students appreciated the opportunity to step outside their academic "bubble" and engage directly with patients. Patient representatives valued the chance to share insights, which highlighted the diversity of patient perspectives and emphasized their relevance to public health policies.

Conclusions
Integrating patient perspectives into biomedical education enriches students’ understanding of communication and inclusivity in research, fostering skills vital for future scientists. Patient interactions proved transformative, offering students practical insights into the challenges and opportunities of incorporating diverse perspectives into biomedical research from design to publication and policy. This approach underscores the need for and added value of inclusion of patient interactions in biomedical education.