British Institute of Radiology

36 Portland Place
London W1B 1AT

History

The British Institute of Radiology (BIR) is the oldest radiological society in the world. The origins of the BIR can be traced back to a first meeting held on 2 April 1897 to form "The X-ray Society". The first general meeting of the new society, now called "The Röntgen Society" in honour of Wilhelm Röntgen, was held on 3 June 1897. The formal Grand Inaugural Meeting was held at St Martin's Town Hall in London in November that same year and was less than two years after Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen had discovered the X-rays. Whilst the main impetus for the new society was from doctors, it is remarkable that the first President was the well known physicist Silvanus P Thompson. The tradition of alternating scientific and medical Presidents goes right back to the beginning of the society. The medical society "The British Association for the Advancement of Radiology and Physiotherapy"(BARP) was formed in 1917, becoming the British Institute of Radiology in 1924. In 1927 the British Institute of Radiology and the Röntgen Society amalgamated to become "The British Institute of Radiology incorporated with the Röntgen Society", a truly multidisciplinary society. In 1958 Her Majesty the Queen granted a Royal Charter of Incorporation to the BIR, whose Objects included:

To promote and encourage the study and practice of the art and science of radiology, radiobiology and the medical applications of nuclear science in all their aspects and the study of kindred sciences.

To maintain and extend to the public advantage the usefulness of the work of the radiologist, radiobiologist, physicist, radiographer, and X-ray engineer in the field of medicine and in the expanding field of the industrial application of radioactive substances.

To disseminate knowledge concerning all aspects of the science of radiology, radiobiology and the medical applications of nuclear science.

To accept subscriptions and gifts of all kinds, whether absolute or conditional, and to undertake and administer trusts for purposes falling within the objects of the Institute.

The BIR became a registered charity in 1963. Its activities are shaped by its Charter and Byelaws.

Library and Information Centre

The BIR Library and Information Centre provides services to BIR Members and to members of the College of Radiographers and the Royal College of Radiologists.

It incorporates a reference library available upon request and at the Manager's discretion, to anyone with a need for information about radiology and its allied sciences.

The Information Centre is a specialised postgraduate collection, primarily dealing with current research, but it also possesses historical and archival material in its archives collection dating back to the end of the last century.

Photocopying facilities and Literature searching are available.

Library and Information Centre Opening Times

NOTICE
The Library will be closed for decorating from Monday 12^th July through to Monday 2^nd August 2010. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Services

The Library at the British Institute of Radiology offers it services not only to our members but also to our fellow sister societies including the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) and Royal Society of Radiographers (SOR).

While offering a quite and relaxed atmosphere, the facilities include internet access, Medline database access, photocopying and the support of a librairian.

Role & Current Activities

Our vision

We want a world in which the potential of imaging science and radiation technology to prevent, detect and combat disease is fully realised.

Our mission 

The British Institute of Radiology is an independent multidisciplinary organisation, and a registered charity, whose membership is open to everyone with an interest in radiology and radiation oncology. All our members are equal regardless of profession or grade.

We strive to ensure that the potential of image science and radiation technology to prevent, detect and combat disease is fully realised. We believe in the importance of research and education, and we promote collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and understanding.

To help fulfil our aims, we undertake a wide range of activities, including publishing, the organisation of scientific meetings and conferences and the provision of library and information services.

Awards and Prizes

The BIR offers a number of awards and prizes annually. Honorary Members of the Institute are elected every year and nominations are welcomed from all Members of the Institute. Honorary Membership is normally awarded to individuals whose original research has contributed to the advancement of radiology and its allied sciences.

The Distinguished Service Medal is in the gift of the President, and is awarded to an individual who has made a special contribution to the British Institute of Radiology.

Source: www.bir.org.uk