The British Society for the History of Science (BSHS) is the main organisation in the United Kingdom working to bring together people with an interest in the histories of science, technology and medicine and their changing relationship with society. As the UK’s adhering body to the DHST, it has central responsibility for the Manchester Congress.

Founded in 1947, the Society now has members including lecturers, writers, students, teachers, museum curators and private individuals. We bring together people with interests in all aspects of the history of science, technology and medicine and their social impact. We foster an understanding of the field in the academic and the wider communities, both nationally and internationally. We publicise relevant ideas within the wider research and teaching communities and the media. Weaward various prizes to recognise and foster excellence in research and teaching.

Recent BSHS priorities have included financial support for conferences organised and attended by members, and for research projects. In these schemes we have given priority to graduate students, who have also benefited from our masters bursary scheme. In 2012 the Society disbursed over £23,000 to support history of science through these channels.

The BSHS also aims to support history of science in the public sphere. We do this through an active education and outreach section, whose work has involved schools, exhibitions, dramas and song, and through the regular award of prizes for popular books and museums.

The scholarship that is at the heart of BSHS is captured in our flagship journal, British Journal for the History of Science. Our more colourful and informal publication is Viewpoint. We always welcome new members from anywhere in the worldto join our lively intellectual community.