Introducing the Company Members

INTRODUCING THE COMPANY MEMBERS Who are the Company Members and what is the aim of the scheme? We give an outline of their role and responsibilities.

During 1992, the Institute of Biomedical Science launched the Company Membership scheme and the Company Members Liaison Group, which comprised Company members and Institute Offi cers. The latter held its fi rst meeting in April 1992, which provided an excellent forum to both discuss issues at the Liverpool Triennial and work with exhibitors to transform the event.

Fast-forward to the present and the scheme connects a members’ network of over 20,000 biomedical staff worldwide to many of the leading organisations in biomedical science, covering disciplines across the sector.

Delivering success One of the Institute’s central aims for the scheme is to ensure that members are up-to-date with the latest developments in

technology and advances in scientifi c techniques. Working with the Company Members also enables the delivery of the highly successful annual Congress, while the companies also support local IBMS regional and branch scientifi c events and recognise members’ achievements through the award of the Company Members Prize, which is presented to the IBMS member who achieves the highest mark in each specialist subject of the Higher Specialist Diploma examination.

Essential for the future The IBMS Company Members

Current members of the IBMS Company Members Committee

Mark Reed (Chair) Pro-Lab Diagnostics Lesley Ayres (Secretary) TCS Biosciences Leanne Annereau Stago UK Michelle Coleman Pro-Lab Diagnostics David Carter Vector Labs Helen Tucker Thermo Fisher James Webber Menarini

Committee (see box) works closely with IBMS committees and staff to help organise Congress and strengthen links between biomedical science companies and IBMS members.

Mark Reed, IBMS Company Members Committee Chairman, says: “Open-forum communication between all aspects of the industry, trade association, professional body and working parties is essential for the future of all in this continually changing and challenging business. The partnership between the IBMS and its Company Members continues to be extremely important.”