IBMS Annual General Meeting 2024
The IBMS convened its 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday 15th June 2024 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 various prestigious awards and the election of notable members to key positions, underscoring the Institute's commitment to excellence and leadership in the field of biomedical science.
Council Appointments
Dr. Sarah Pitt was re-elected as a national council member, ensuring continuity and experience in council deliberations.
The regional council saw several appointments without the need for a ballot:
- Nicola Rouse for East Midlands
- Angela Jean-François for London
- Jennifer Collins for the North East
- Tahmina Hussain for the North West
Sarah May as Vice-President
Sarah May was nominated for her leadership and significant impact on biomedical science, and honoured for her role in pioneering initiatives and guiding the Institute through challenging transitions. Sarah’s election as Vice President is a testament to her dedication and vision for the future of biomedical science.
High Achievers in Specialist Diplomas
The ceremony continued with the distribution of the Company Members Prizes for excellence in IBMS Higher Specialist Diplomas. Among the recipients were:
- Cátia Alexandra Alberto Candido from Northwick Park Hospital, Cellular Pathology.
- Nathan Timbrell from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, Clinical Chemistry.
- Laura Wright from Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, Leadership and Management.
- Justina Spyrka from Calderdale Hospital Halifax, Medical Microbiology.
- Cassandra Hemmings from Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital Gwynedd, Transfusion Science.
R.J. Lavington Prize
The prestigious R.J. Lavington Prize was awarded to Cassandra Hemmings 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:
- Neil Bentley OBE, celebrated for his pivotal roles during critical health crises and his ongoing contributions to public health and education.
- Dr. Jane Needham, acknowledged for her leadership in Haemophilia and Thrombosis and her significant impact on national biomedical science initiatives.
- Gordon McNair, honoured for his strategic financial oversight and his contributions to professional growth and standards in pathology.
- Sean Conlan, recognised for his extensive service on the Immunology Scientific Advisory Panel and his dedication to training and advocacy within the field.
- Alison Geddis, in recognition of transformative influence and leadership within the IBMS.
Honorary Fellowship
An IBMS Honorary Fellowship was awarded to Dr. Rachael Liebmann OBE for her remarkable contributions to pathology and her advocacy for the role of biomedical scientists in advancing patient care and diagnostic standards.
50 Year Medal
The meeting also marked a momentous occasion as Vice President Gordon Sutehall was honoured with a commemorative medal recognising his 50 years of dedicated membership. This special award celebrated his enduring commitment and significant contributions to the field of biomedical science.
Conclusion
The ceremony closed with a sense of pride and accomplishment, reflecting the Institute’s commitment to excellence and professional development. The AGM highlighted the individual achievements of its members while reinforcing the collaborative spirit and collective progress of the biomedical science community.