The British Society for Neuroendocrinology (BSN) is a learned society that promotes research into the interplay between the endocrine and nervous systems that control vital body processes.
Our aim is to advance research and education in neuroendocrinology for the public benefit by supporting our scientific community.
“I have benefited immensely from the BSN in the form of project support grants, support for summer students as well as generous travel grants and conference registration which has allowed me to present our work nationally and internationally. My involvement with the BSN has created new friends and collaborations which have had a significant positive impact on my career.”
– Dr Michelle Bellingham
Our vision
Our vision is to support the neuroendocrine scientific community to improve science, knowledge and health for the public benefit.
The BSN is a diverse and inclusive society supporting neuroendocrinology in its widest definition. It provides a focus for promoting the subject, for networking between members, and for publishing quality research outputs in the Journal of Neuroendocrinology (JNE). It supports members at all stages of their career, and provides educational opportunities for early career researchers, using a mix of face-to-face and online activities, all of which is funded by income from JNE. The BSN welcomes participation from around the world.
We support the neuroendocrine scientific community as an inclusive society, particularly our early career researchers in establishing their careers to further neuroendocrine science. We are a vibrant and inclusive society and have named Early Career Representatives and an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Secretary, each supported by sub-committees of members to inform our policies and decisions.
“The BSN has been important in my career development, from funding projects that have driven my independent research theme, giving me opportunities to present, and especially allowing me to develop my professional network.”
– Dr Rebecca Dumbell
Who we are
We are run by members for members via an elected committee of trustees and non-voting members on a voluntary basis, with support from a small group of staff and freelancers. The Board of Trustees makes recommendations regarding strategy, funding vehicles, future meetings etc.
“Our senior members really do care about neuroendocrinology, both as a discipline and a community. In fact, sitting on the board of trustees, I found that pretty much all anyone wanted to discuss was how to support and encourage the next generation of neuroendocrinologists. So join in. The BSN is full of people and opportunities that will help you grow as a scientist.”
– Dr Dave Lyons
What we do
We support our members through our annual meetings, grants, prizes and initiatives such as our mentorship scheme. We have often held annual meetings jointly with other international societies.
“The BSN has been a massive part of my research career. I have been a BSN member for over 20 years. I regularly attended UK meetings to get my fix of neuroendocrinology research, to meet colleagues and make new friends. Today, our local community in New Zealand has blossomed but I have maintained my contacts with the BSN because it is such a great group of people.”
– Professor Dave Grattan
Our Journal
The BSN owns the Journal of Neuroendocrinology, founded in 1989, and it is an important part of our income as well as our scientific endeavour. This income allows us to support our members through the various grants and schemes we provide. Therefore by choosing to publish in our journal you are supporting the next generation of neuroendocrine researchers and ensuring the future of neuroendocrinology.
72% of BSN grant awardee respondents report that their BSN grant has helped them achieve their career goals and 93% would recommend BSN membership and grants to their colleagues (BSN post-grant award questionnaire, 2024).
Our journal is formed of two strands: Fundamental and Mechanistic Neuroendocrinology, and Translational and Clinical Neuroendocrinology. These two strands together cover all aspects of neuroendocrine research.
“This Journal is precious; owned by our community, run by our community for our community."
– Professor Gareth Leng
History
Although we began in, and are largely based in, the UK we are an international community of researchers in over 30 countries, who work on many different aspects of neuroendocrinology in its widest definition.
Initially founded in 1991 as the British Neuroendocrine Group, we became a registered charity in 1991 and a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2015. The BSN has always been operated as a charity and is registered with the Charity Commission as a charitable incorporated organisation (number 1163115).
Membership
BSN Membership benefits include:
- access to funding
- prizes and awards
- reduced conference registration fees
- opportunities to grow your network and interact with leaders in neuroendocrine research
Additional benefits are:
- free access to Journal of Neuroendocrinology
- resources within our membership area including lecture recordings from our annual meetings
We also have group membership options for up-and-coming undergraduate classes. Membership starts as low as £10 per year and is free for members in low-income countries.
