Dr Sarah Pitt inaugurated as IBMS President

The ceremony took place at the IBMS's Headquarters in London following the beginning of Sarah's presidency on 1st January 2026. 

Sarah becomes the 37th IBMS President and the 5th female president in our history. 

Before handing over the official presidency chains to Sarah, former IBMS President Joanna Andrew delivered a speech focusing on her term as president and endorsing Sarah. 

After receiving her chains of office, Sarah commented in her speech:

I am enormously grateful to all the people that I have worked with through the IBMS, both staff and fellow members. They have all encouraged and supported me along the way.  I feel especially privileged that my colleagues on the Council have put their trust in me to be the next IBMS President.

I am the fifth female President and the second virologist. But as far as I know I am the first IBMS President to be employed full time in an academic rather than an NHS post.

I hope to put my experiences in both the health service and higher education to good use during my time as IBMS President."

The IBMS is an organisation run by its members for its members. We have 20,000 members. Each of them has a unique set of experiences and skills which could be put to good use, to benefit all of us. I would like to explore the barriers that prevent members from putting themselves forward to join branches, regions, scientific advisory panels and ultimately Council.

The IBMS would like to offer our congratulations to Sarah on her inauguration as our new president and look forward to working closely and supporting her in office.

Read more about Sarah's priorities during her two year presidency