The Institute of Biomedical Science

Chartered scientist

A mark of achievement in science

Seeking to promote public confidence in scientists by assurance of a common high standard of education, training and continued competence through the designation of Chartered Scientist (CSci).

In October 2003, the designation Chartered Scientist was added to the now familiar list of chartered professions: biologist, accountant, surveyor and so on.

This is a significant achievement for the field of science and those that practise in the many and varied disciplines that science encompasses. 

'Chartered' is an internationally recognised benchmark of quality and excellence and it will do much to improve the profile of science and scientists. Although not all biomedical scientists will wish to achieve the level of qualification necessary to earn the title, its existence confers chartered standing on the profession as a whole. Chartered status is the cornerstone of the Institute's professional qualification framework and is a prestigious achievement for ambitious professionals in biomedical science.

The designation Chartered Scientist has been made possible by a Royal Charter issued to The Science Council on 14 October 2003.

The Science Council cannot confer Chartered Scientist status on individuals directly but only through professional member bodies that have been awarded a licence. The term for such a member organisation is Licensed Member Body, and as such it can charter individual members who meet the criteria.

The criteria for a Licensed Member Body has been laid down by The Science Council, as follows:

• The body is a member of The Science Council.
• The member body has at least one membership standard at graduate level.
• The member body has a minimum of five years’ experience administering that standard.
• Members holding the above standard are bound by a Code of Professional Conduct and the licensed body has disciplinary procedures.
• The member body is able to monitor the professional development of its members.
• The member body will be required to show that it has the necessary procedures in place in order to meet the standards required to become a licensed body.

The Institute met these criteria and was awarded Licensed Member Body status on 16 February 2004. The Science Council currently has more than 30 member bodies, 21 of which have been awarded a licence.

Who can become a Chartered Scientist?

The designation Chartered Scientist (CSci) ensures high and improving standards across all scientific disciplines.

The designation also reflects best practice in science and is set at a benchmark level throughout the professions.

The designation is available only to those scientists who can demonstrate the advancement or application of science and who stay up-to-date in their scientific field. Candidates must be able to demonstrate the benefit of their work to the wider community. Chartered Scientist status is aimed at those practising science at the full professional level and at those for whom scientific knowledge or practice at that level forms an essential element for the fulfilment of their role.

You are eligible to apply for Chartered Scientist status through the Institute of Biomedical Science if you:

• have at least four years corporate Institute membership and in the appropriate class of membership for which you are eligible (either a Fellow or Member)
• have a Masters level qualification, or equivalent
• have documented evidence of continuing professional development either through the Institute’s portfolio scheme another professional association or a personal development plan for the 2 years prior to your application
• are currently in practice in biomedical science with at least four years post graduate professional experience.

All members who are awarded Chartered Scientist status through the Institute will have their names placed on a central register of Chartered Scientists held by The Science Council for a period of five years (renewable). The Institute will issue a certificate recording Chartered Scientist status and you will be able to use the designatory initials CSci.

It is a requirement for maintaining your Chartered Scientist status that you maintain a level of CPD appropriate to your professional role throughout the time that you are Chartered. Evidence of this will be required at your annual revalidation.

Requirements for Chartered Scientist status

Applicants are required to demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge and critical awareness of current problems or new insights, much of which is informed by the forefront of their field of study or area of professional practice.

The benchmark route is the successful completion of a programme of study leading to an MSc.

All candidates need to have at least four years postgraduate experience in the practice, application or teaching of science. Additionally applicants must have undertaken continuing professional development commensurate with the level of attainment required for a minimum of two years immediately prior to the application.

Applicants must demonstrate that their scope of practice requires them to:

• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge, and critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights in their area of biomedical science,
• Have a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their scope of practice and the ability to critically evaluate current research,
• Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences,
• Exercise self-direction and personal responsibility in solving problems, and exercise personal autonomy in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level,
• Continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and competence to a high level.

What are the benefits of CSci?

The award of Chartered Scientist status indicates the individual is at a high level within their profession. 

Becoming a Chartered Scientist sends a clear signal about the quality of their scientific knowledge, application and professionalism.

In addition to the use of the designatory letters CSci, the designation Chartered Scientist benefits all those concerned with science as a profession, and in its application.

It will be of value to:

Individual practitioners with aspirations to a designation that sets them at the highest level of their profession and offers a passport to professional mobility within the European Union.

Employers with confirmation, through the designation, of the quality of a job applicant’s qualification.

Government departments seeking to appoint advisers or consultants, giving them an assurance about the level of an individual’s expertise.

Society at large, which would be more confident about the qualification of an individual scientist and need no longer be confused by a platform of letters and descriptions.

Professional bodies, with provision through the new designation of additional opportunities to benchmark their qualifications.

Higher education institutions, which would be better able to set and monitor benchmarks for its science courses and to promote programmes of study to meet the high standards required of a Chartered Scientist.

Regulatory authorities, which could be confident of specifying the designation in Acts of Parliament and regulations.

The legal system, which would enable expert witness participation at a defined standard.

Other professions, allowing comparisons of excellence between science and other professions.

The Science Council

The aim of The Science Council is:
"To be the leading coordinating body for science and the science community by promoting the collective knowledge, resources and achievements of its constituent professional and learned bodies and their members worldwide."

The Science Council acts as an independent coordinating body for the professional science bodies in the UK. Its purpose is to provide a collective voice for science and scientists and to maintain standards across all scientific disciplines.

The Science Council estimates that if all its member bodies eventually achieve licensed body status then Chartered Scientists could number more than 80,000. 

The Science Council meets twice a year and the Institute is represented by its President and Chief Executive. The Institute’s President is also a member of The Science Council Presidents’ Committee and the Chief Executive a member of The Science Council Board.

The objectives of The Science Council and further information can be found at
www.sciencecouncil.org

Member Bodies of The Science Council

Association of Clinical Biochemists 
Association for Science Education
Biosciences federation
British Association for the advancement of Science 
British Computer Society
British Psychological Society
Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management
Energy Institute
Geological Society of London
Institute of Biology
Institute of Biomedical Science
Institute of Clinical research
Institute of Corrosion
Institute of Food Science and Technology
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology
Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining
Institute of Mathematics and its Applications
Institute of Physics
Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine
Institute of Professional Soil Scientists
Institution of Chemical Engineers
Institution of Environmental Sciences
London Mathematical Society
Mineralogical Society
Oil and colour Chemists’ Association
Royal Aeronautical Society
Royal Astronomical Society
Royal Geographical Society
Royal Meteorological Society
Royal Society
The Royal Society of Chemistry
Royal Statistical Society
Society of Dyers and Colourists
Society for General Microbiology

How to Apply

Applications need to be made directly to the IBMS (not The Science Council). If you feel you are eligible please contact the IBMS on 020 7713 0214 or email chartered@ibms.org

Concerns and questions regarding eligibility or the application process can be answered easily by contacting the IBMS on 020 7713 0214 or emailing chartered@ibms.org

Download leaflet: Chartered Scientist: A mark of achievement in science.