Fellow
Reach the peak of the profession and help develop and improve laboratory practice, education, training and patient care
Being an IBMS Fellow demonstrates that your specialist knowledge and high professional standards are recognised and verified.
What's included in your membership?
From just £19.00 a month*, you will have access to our benefits:
Membership publications
Access to the leading publications in biomedical science
IBMS professional and scientific journals ensure members are kept up to date on the latest news and guidance.
The Biomedical Scientist is our multi-award-winning, professional publication for biomedical science. The membership magazine is published monthly in print or digital format for all IBMS members.
The British Journal of Biomedical Science is open access and peer reviewed, publishing high-quality, original research. IBMS members can publish their research for free.
Qualifications
Demonstrate your highest level of advanced knowledge and skill
IBMS Advanced Specialist Diplomas link to professional doctorates and are aimed at the most senior members of the profession.
Awards, grants and bursaries
Get support for your studies and to attend events or be recognised for your work and achievements
IBMS members have access to a wide range of grants, awards and bursaries to support them in their studies or at work.
Record your CPD
Find activities and events and somewhere to easily record your CPD
IBMS members can access our CPD system that is designed to support career development and professional registration with the HCPC and the Science Council.
Science Council registration
Demonstrate high levels of professional practice and ethical standards
By registering with the Science Council, IBMS members can access support in their application as a Chartered Scientist (CSci).
Events and presentations
Enjoy free access to The Biomedical Scientist Live
Held annually for our members as a digital event, it features a packed line-up of seminars, discussions and demonstrations for all members.
Exclusive invites are also open to IBMS members to our webinars and region and branches meetings, plus IBMS members can access discounted tickets to IBMS Congress – the biggest biomedical science event in Europe.
Save the cost of membership
Save today with IBMS Additions
IBMS Additions gives members money off their shopping, travel, leisure activities, holidays, health and wellbeing, motoring and much more.
Cinema goers can also get up to 40% off their tickets!
Mentoring
Give back to the profession and help support the next generation of biomedical scientists
The IBMS Mentoring programme is the perfect way for you to pass on your skills and knowledge as a mentor.
Free legal advice
Advice for the workplace or at home
If you are purchasing a property, involved in an accident, setting up a business or trying to ensure that you’ve made adequate provision for those closest to you, a discussion with a legal advisor would be an excellent first step.
IBMS members have 24/7 access to a free telephone legal helpline.
Professional guidance
Get the latest information and guidance
IBMS members have access to an array of resources that can be used to help them in their work. They can also request additional support for any campaigns they are involved in, or ask us to address their concerns and to represent the profession’s interest through a position statement.
Code of conduct
Demonstrate your professionalism
All IBMS members are expected to display the highest standards of professionalism and a commitment to ethical conduct by following and adhering to the IBMS Code of Conduct.
Public engagement
Promote the profession and inform the public about your role
IBMS members have access to a range of public engagement materials and support to help them take part or organise events. Resources include free copies of Superlab comics, merchandise, promotional materials and activity sheets aimed at different audiences.
Membership groups
Join the network of over 20,000 IBMS members, take part in discussions and have your voice heard
IBMS membership groups are groupings of members who support our work. They are organised on a geographical basis (regions and branches), or by members’ specialist interest (discussion groups), or a combination of the two.
Indemnity insurance
Protection for IBMS members
Our new Trafalgar insurance scheme will give you the ability to select how you are employed, and then will provide you with access to a product which you can evaluate to see if that meets your own individual unique needs
Newsletters
Keep up to date with all that is happening in the profession
eStudents receive monthly newsletters, ensuring they are informed about the latest news and developments in biomedical science.
Leadership roles
Become a recognised leader in your field
IBMS Fellows can become Specialist Advisory Panel Members, Verifiers and Examiners or be nominated for election as an IBMS Council member.
Designatory letters
Gain recognition of your professional and academic achievements
IBMS Fellows can use their designatory letters FIBMS to showcase their status as an IBMS member.
Online learning
Access digital resources to develop your learning
IBMS members can access a range of online resources including Congress lectures, webinar recordings and education support hub workshops.
Who can become a Fellow?
To become a Fellow you must hold one of the following:
- IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma or an IBMS Diploma of Higher Specialist Practice
- IBMS Diploma in Expert Practice in Non-Gynaecological Cytology and an IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Non-Gynaecological Cytology
- IBMS Diploma in Expert Practice in Histological Dissection and an IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Specimen Dissection
- IBMS Diploma in Expert Practice and an MSc in a subject relevant to biomedical science and five years professional experience in an area related to biomedical science
- equivalent level professional qualification (e.g. HSST)
- a biomedical science-related D-level academic qualification (e.g. PhD, Professional Doctorate), or UK ENIC confirmed equivalent and have five years professional experience in an area related to biomedical science
- IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Cervical Cytology
- IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Histopathology Reporting
Alternatively, you can apply to become a Fellow via the IBMS Experiential route.
Did you know?
UK taxpayers can save money by claiming up to 20% tax relief on their IBMS membership fees. To help, we’ll let you know how as part of your joining process.
Find out more>>
Become an IBMS Fellow
Download and complete an IBMS Membership Application form and send to subs@ibms.org along with copies of relevant qualification certificates, and payment (IBMS membership fees + £20 registration fee).
For more information on joining the IBMS, or renewing or upgrading your membership, visit our FAQ page.
To ensure a timely response to your documentation we would encourage you to submit everything electronically to us via email - subs@ibms.org
Please note
When you join, by providing the IBMS with the information requested, you are consenting to its use as indicated in the IBMS Privacy Notice.
How to get in touch
Our membership team are on hand and always happy to answer any of your questions you have on joining us. Feel free to call or email for more help.
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*figure based on monthly Direct Debit instalments from January to October.