The Institute of Biomedical Science

www.ibmscongress.com

Why join the IBMS?

The Institute has compiled a package of membership benefits to help biomedical scientists develop their careers and scientific knowledge, and to provide personal and professional support.

Publications and media benefits

The Biomedical Scientist
All members receive The Biomedical Scientist, the major professional publication for news, science articles and job adverts. There are features on a wide range of subjects including education, training, management, laboratory practice, safety, scientific and technological developments, members' correspondence and Institute activities. 

Regular features include Institute news and local events, a large continuing professional development (CPD) section listing credited activities and Journal Based Learning (JBL) questions, together with company and product updates. The Biomedical Scientist is also the largest source of information on professional vacancies in the UK

Regular features include company and product updates, Institute news and local events, a list of activities credited for continuing professional development (CPD) appropriate to all professional levels. The Biomedical Scientist is the largest source of information on professional vacancies in the UK.

Pathology in Practice is a quarterly supplement (for company members and Fellows of the Institute only) on commercial news, products, system installations and the latest commercial developments in the medical laboratory environment.

British Journal of Biomedical Science
Members also receive the British Journal of Biomedical Science (BJBS), which has the largest circulation of all the scientific journals covering biomedical science, and features scientific papers, book reviews and reports on new laboratory techniques and developments. The BJBS is also published online which includes an archive of back-issues available to current members.

IBMS website

All members enjoy full access to the members' area of the IBMS website. The members' area has the following facilities:

• members' news and information
• CPD Centre including online JBL and other resources for the Institute's CPD scheme
• web discussion forums allowing members to exchange views, professional advice and scientific information in discipline specific, general, CPD, education and management forums
• online lectures hosts a series of scientific and professional lectures for members to listen and gain CPD points.

Career development

• Access to the Institute's CPD scheme which enables members to improve and extend their scientific knowledge and skills. The Institute's scheme also assist members to provide evidence that they meet the Health Professions Council’s standards for re-registration to practice.

• Access to the Institute's professional qualifications, which include examinations for higher, expert, extended and advanced levels of practice aimed at members of the profession seeking more senior appointments. The qualifications aim to support the progression of biomedical scientists through a modern career and pay structure. Visit ibms.org/education for more information.

IBMS Congress and other events

• Reduced fees at the IBMS Congress, the largest and most comprehensive biomedical science conference in the UK

• Events: reduced fees at national and local Institute meetings, CPD activities and other conferences and courses

• Access to branch, region and discussion group meetings.

Professional recognition

• Chartered scientists - the Institute of Biomedical Science has been granted a licence by The Science Council to award the designation Chartered Scientist to qualifying IBMS members. Chartered scientist is a mark of excellence and achievement available through Institute membership..

• Recognition from other professional bodies of your IBMS membership.

• IBMS Fellowship is a recognised standard for senior grade posts and professional appointments.

• Designatory letters to confer professional status.

Professional support

• Professional indemnity insurance: free monetary protection for eligible corporate members in respect of legal responsibility for damage or loss, and support, advice and representation in cases of legal action related to their profession (except for members not based in the UK, Hong Kong, Cyprus and Gibraltar).

• Expert and scientific advice to members on professional issues such as safety, education, careers, management and other matters affecting their working lives.

• Access to the IBMS advisory panels, which can advise and guide in areas of their expertise and specialty

• Specialised support and professional representation in the devolved home countries of the United Kingdom.

IBMS general benefits

• The opportunity to become involved on Institute branch and regional committees and, for corporate members, to stand for election to Council, providing experience of committee working and the handling of professional and political issues. It also contributes to shaping the future of the profession. This may add an extra dimension to an individual's professional portfolio of experience.

• get involved in professional activities where members can develop skills in media, politics, organising events and discussion groups, networking and professional representation and roles.

• Eligibility for corporate members to vote in Institute elections.

• Eligibility to apply for prize awards and research grants offered by the IBMS to members to encourage research, continuing education and personal development.

• Access to the IBMS library, which holds a large collection of books, Fellowship theses and journals, which may be borrowed by members.

• Legal advice: 24 hour legal helpline (domestic and employment problems).