About IBMS

The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) is the professional body for biomedical scientists in the United Kingdom. It aims to promote and develop the role of biomedical science within healthcare to deliver the best possible service for patient care and safety. It does this by supporting biomedical scientists in their education and training, improving standards of practice, representing the profession and working with organisations to improve laboratory service.

The Institute was founded in 1912 and represents over 19,000 members employed mainly in National Health Service and private laboratories, university and veterinary laboratories, the National Blood Service, Health Protection Agency, Medical Research Council and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Other members also work in related commercial fields and in teaching. Most members live and work in the United Kingdom and Ireland but many others are employed overseas.

IBMS roles

• To aid and support the development of biomedical science, both nationally and
  internationally.
• Set professional standards of practice to protect patients.
• Assess competence to practise as HPC-registered biomedical scientists.
• Define a meaningful structure of membership and provide benefits of membership.
• Provide personal and professional support for members.
• Represent the interests of biomedical science, provide advice and work with government, media, universities, industry and commercial sector, professional organisations and all other partners.
• Ensure that the education and training of biomedical scientists provide practitioners competent to practice in healthcare.
• Develop qualifications and diplomas to demonstrate expertise and provide a career pathway
• To enable biomedical scientists to achieve their potential through career options, career long learning and continuing professional development.
• Promote public awareness of biomedical science.
• Update and inform biomedical scientists through media, scientific meetings and professional events.
• Produce scientific and professional publications, guidance and other resources for members.
• Award the designation of Chartered Scientist to qualifying IBMS members.
• Fund research and support charitable causes in biomedical science.
• Maintain a historical archive of the profession.

Further activities

The Institute organises a diverse range of scientific and professional events including its three-day Biomedical Science Congress - the largest event of its kind in the UK.

The Institute publishes two periodicals, the monthly The Biomedical Scientist and quarterly British Journal of Biomedical Science, which together carry scientific papers, news, articles, opinions, reports, diaries of events and job advertisements. It also publishes a number of laboratory and professional guidelines and careers information.

A network of Institute regions and branches in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, Cyprus and Gibraltar provides opportunities for members to participate locally in Institute affairs. The 11 Institute regions support local biomedical scientists, promote the profession, develop local networks and organise scientific and social meetings.

Grants and prizes are available for research and other scientific work in biomedical science subjects.

IBMS supports members engaged on charitable work through direct funding or by the waiving of membership fees.

IBMS Membership

The Institute offers a package of membership benefits for biomedical scientists. If you would like to consider joining the Institute you can download an information pack or you can contact the IBMS office on mail@ibms.org.