President Joanna Andrew’s farewell and recap

Dear Members,

As I come to the end of my term as IBMS President, I want to reflect on what has been one of the most rewarding periods of my professional life. It has been an honour to serve you, and to represent biomedical scientists, clinical scientists and laboratory staff at such an important time for our profession.

A core focus of my presidency has been visibility. Not for its own sake, but because it strengthens confidence in the profession, supports recruitment, and helps ensure biomedical science is properly understood in healthcare and in policy. I have been proud to support that visibility by attending region and branch events, meeting members, and visiting laboratories across the UK - from Edinburgh in the north to Taunton in the south.

Those visits have been a highlight. They have shown the breadth of biomedical science and the realities of frontline delivery. They have also reinforced how much expertise exists across every discipline, and how strongly members support one another in demanding circumstances.

I have also been privileged to represent the IBMS and the profession internationally. Through meetings of the European Association of Biomedical Scientists (EPBS) in Rotterdam and Vienna, and at a conference in Iceland, I have had the opportunity to promote advanced practice roles and to share UK perspectives on education, quality, and professional standards. These conversations matter. They strengthen professional recognition, support consistency in training and regulation, and help build shared expectations for safe and effective practice.

Throughout my term, I have been keen to highlight the full range of what the IBMS and the profession contribute. That includes our education and qualifications, but also the wider work that supports learning and engagement, such as Harvey’s Lab Tours and the Learning Lab. These initiatives help people understand biomedical science, and they help members feel connected to the impact of their work beyond the laboratory.

There have been many memorable moments. Congress stands out as a major one. It brought together the profession at scale, celebrated achievement, and created space to learn from one another. I also valued meeting graduate apprentices at the University of Staffordshire graduation. Seeing people enter the profession with pride and ambition is a powerful reminder of what good training and support can achieve.

I was also pleased to represent the profession at Pride events in London and Cardiff. Visibility includes making sure biomedical scientists can be seen, supported, and respected in every community and workplace.

Advocacy has been another important part of the role. I attended the Labour Party Conference and met with MPs, and I was grateful for opportunities to engage in the House of Commons and the House of Lords. My aim throughout has been straightforward: to ensure decision makers understand the value of biomedical science, the pressures the workforce faces, and the practical changes needed to support safe, sustainable services.

I have also had the opportunity to chair roundtables and contribute to discussions that have informed white papers and thought leadership. These forums have helped bring together partners and perspectives, and they have supported clearer conversations about workforce, training, and the future shape of diagnostic services.

Personally, this presidency has expanded my knowledge across pathology disciplines and strengthened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the whole profession. It has also deepened my pride in being a biomedical scientist. I hope I have been an example to those considering leadership, particularly to early and mid-career colleagues who are looking for a pathway to contribute beyond their immediate role.

None of this work happens in isolation. I am grateful for the support of members, volunteers, Council colleagues, and the IBMS Executive Team. I am also grateful to everyone who took the time to share their experiences, challenge thinking, and offer practical insight from the workplace. That input has kept the role grounded in real services, real constraints, and real people.

As I hand over to our incoming President, Dr Sarah Pitt, I do so with real confidence in the leadership ahead. I look forward to supporting Sarah as Past-President, remaining on Council for the next year to provide continuity and advice where it is helpful. The Presidency is a unique opportunity to champion the profession, and I know Sarah will bring energy, insight and strong advocacy for members at every stage of their careers.

Thank you for everything you do, every day. Your professionalism protects patients, supports clinicians, and strengthens the NHS and wider health services. It has been a privilege to represent you.

Warmest wishes,

Joanna Andrew
IBMS President