The society exists to promote research into the interplay between the endocrine and nervous systems that control so many important body processes. The ultimate aim of this research is to provide therapies for the many neuroendocrine diseases and disorders, and to bring forward methods to beneficially regulate normal neuroendocrine function in man and animals.

The society was founded as the British Neuroendocrine Group in 1985 and changed its name to the British Society for Neuroendocrinology with effect from May 2001.

The BSN publishes the international 'Journal of Neuroendocrinology' and organises regular meetings and symposia.