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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I join the BSI?

The British Society for Immunology (BSI) represents over 4,000 members around the world from a wide range of sectors and career stages. Being a member of the BSI means being part of the leading charity organisation for immunology in the UK and one of the largest networks in the world for those interested in the immune system.

BSI members enjoy extensive benefits and can take advantage of opportunities to meet and engage with immunologists, keep up-to-date with the latest science and develop their careers. Membership offers reduced registrations fees to our events, including the very popular BSI Congress, access to our grants, a chance to network with our vibrant community with a strong voice to represent immunology at the highest levels, and much more.

For a full list of benefits, please visit to our membership page.

How can I join?

You can join by completing the online application form or emailing us at membership@immunology.org to receive a copy of the application form as a PDF to fill out. 

How can I pay?

You can pay by direct debit, credit or debit card or by invoice (to organisations only). All options can be found by clicking ‘Join the Society’.

What are the membership categories?

As a focal hub for the immunology community, we bring together people working in different sectors and career stages – all of which play an important role in advancing the field. Our membership categories showcase different sectors which compose our vibrant community. Information about them can be found here. On the application form you will have to select your sector and career stage. 

Discover the membership categories

If you are unsure which membership category is right for you, please contact our membership team on membership@immunology.org, +44 (0)77 7530 1216 or +44 (0)203 019 5901.

Discounted membership fees

If you wish to apply for any of the below, please reach out to us at membership@immunology.org and our friendly membership team will be more than happy to help. Please note, proof must be provided and will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Concessionary
Any member who is on a career break for at least six months and Full Members who earn less than £25,000 per annum can apply for a 60% discount on their membership fees.

Low-income countries
Members in low-income countries can apply for free membership. This is available for members who are living and working in a country defined as a low-income economy by the World Bank.

Refugee status and those seeking asylum
Members with refugee status and those seeking asylum in the UK can apply for free membership. This is available for members who meet the UK Government definition of refugee in the Refugee Convention and have been issued with refugee status documentation, in which case free membership will be provided for their five years’ leave to remain as a refugee. This is also available for members in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, in which case free membership will be provided for the duration of the scheme (currently 3 years). Members who have left their country of origin and formally applied for asylum in the UK but whose refugee application is being processed can also apply for free membership. Once refugee status is approved, BSI membership will continue as above. However, if the application is rejected the person will no longer be eligible for free membership and must pay the relevant membership fee upon their next renewal date.  

How can I renew my membership?

If you currently pay your subscription by Direct Debit you do not need to do anything to renew it. We will advise you before the payment is taken in case there are any changes you wish to make to your membership for the following year. If you pay by credit/debit card or invoice you will be sent a renewal notice in advance of your renewal date and you will need to arrange payment in order to ensure renewal. If you have any questions, please contact our membership team on membership@immunology.org, +44 (0)77 7530 1216 or +44 (0)203 019 5901.

How do I change the way I pay my membership subscription?

If you would like to change the way you pay your subscription, please contact our membership team on membership@immunology.org, +44 (0)77 7530 1216 or +44 (0)203 019 5901.

How can I change my membership category?

If you would like to change your membership category or you would like to update your details to reflect the sectors and career stages, please contact our membership team on membership@immunology.org, +44 (0)77 7530 1216 or +44 (0)203 019 5901.

What do I do if I can't find my login details for the member-only area?

You will receive login details to the email address held by the BSI with instructions on how to access the member-only area. If you have not received this email or are having any difficulties please contact membership@immunology.org

How do I cancel my membership?

If you wish to cancel your membership please contact our membership team on membership@immunology.org. The cancellation and refund policy can be found here.

Can I receive income tax relief?

The British Society for Immunology is an approved organisation for the purposes of tax relief on subscriptions.
For more information on your eligibility to reclaim tax relief please contact HMRC directly or visit their website

How do I complain?

Our complaints policy can be found here. If you wish to make a complaint please contact our Chief Executive, Doug Brown, on d.brown@immunology.org

How can I join the BSI Clinical Immunology Professional Network?

The BSI Clinical Immunology Professional Network (BSI-CIPN) is a new professional network within the BSI representing all aspects of clinical immunology practice in the UK.

To join the BSI-CIPN, you must first become a BSI member; however, there is no additional cost to your membership to be part of the network.

Membership of the BSI-CIPN is open to professionals and medical trainees working within clinical immunology with applications subject to approval from the BSI-CIPN Steering Group. All applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis, and you will be notified of the outcome in due course. Visit this page to find out more information about how to join the BSI-CIPN.