IBMS Annual General Meeting 2026
The IBMS convened its 84th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, 13th June 2026 in London. Alongside official AGM items of business, members were also recognised and celebrated for their outstanding achievements.
The event was marked by the presentation of prestigious awards and the election of notable members to key positions, underscoring the Institute's commitment to excellence and leadership in biomedical science.
Council Appointments
We said goodbye to Alan Deacon and Charles Houston, who are retiring from the council.
The National Council saw several members elected:
- Zonya Jeffrey
- Victoria Moyse
- Louise Jefferies
- Nichola Lawrence
- Richard Wardle
The following members were elected as regional representatives:
- Victoria Bradley for Wales
- Una Porter for the Irish Region
- Katy Lomas for the South West Region
- Zeeshan Ejaz for the Yorkshire Region
- Bethany Moss for the South East Region
Debra Padgett as Vice President
Debra Padgett was nominated for her leadership and significant impact on biomedical science. During her IBMS Presidency, Debra led the Institute through the practical realities of the post-pandemic period. She presided over two Congresses and championed our members' need for a sustainable workforce, clear standards and strengthened relationships with partners across pathology and healthcare science.
Debra’s election as Vice President is a testament to her dedication and vision for the future of biomedical science.
High Achievers in IBMS Qualifications
The ceremony continued with the distribution of the Company Members' Prizes for excellence in IBMS Higher Specialist Diplomas. The recipients were:
- Adam Bagg from Southampton General Hospital for Medical Microbiology.
- Jade Bromley from Peterborough City Hospital for Haematology.
- Katherine Lagan from Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for Cytopathology.
- Hannah Mason from Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust for Leadership and Management.
- Abigail Rapley from Peterborough City Hospital for Transfusion Science.
- Catia Da Costa Dias from Royal Liverpool Hospital for Histological Dissection.
- Sarah Craig from the University Hospital of North Durham for Cellular Pathology.
R.J. Lavington Prize
The prestigious R.J. Lavington Prize was awarded to Abigail Rapley for achieving the highest mark across all disciplines in the Higher Specialist Diploma examination. Her second recognition of the day underscored her exceptional expertise and dedication to the field.
Life Membership Awards
The meeting also recognised several members with Life Membership, an honour bestowed for long and valuable service:
- Professor Mike Wren MBE, celebrated for a career defined by diagnostic expertise, education, and sustained service to the IBMS over many decades.
- Andrew Usher is acknowledged for his exceptional service and leadership across the Institute, and his long-standing commitment to advancing education and professional standards.
- Colin Mudd, honoured in recognition of his sustained service to the Institute and to the wider biomedical science profession.
The AGM highlighted individual achievements while reinforcing the collaborative spirit and collective progress of the biomedical science community. The ceremony closed with a sense of pride and accomplishment, as all reflected on the Institute’s members' commitment to excellence and professional development.