The British Mass Spectrometry Society is a registered charity founded in 1964 that encourages participation in every aspect of mass spectrometry.^[1] It aims to encourage participation in all aspects of mass spectrometry on the widest basis, to promote knowledge and advancement in the field and to provide a forum for the exchange of views and information. It is committed to ensuring equal opportunities and reflecting the diversity of the society as a whole. The first foundations of the BMSS were laid in 1949 with the establishment of the Mass Spectrometry Panel by the Hydrocarbon Research Group.

The society's annual meeting is held in the first week of September as well as regular special interest group meetings (Lipidomics, MALDI & Imaging, Ambient Ionisation, Environmental & Food Analysis) through the year, in locations throughout the United Kingdom. Locations of the society's annual meetings beginning in 1965:

In 1985, the Society used the proceeds from the 10th International Mass Spectrometry Conference to establish 7 Beynon PhD Studentships. In 2007, the Society announced they would initiate summer studentship projects and in 2012 they announced BMSS research grants.^[2]

• Mass Matters^[3]

In 1987 the society announce the establishment of the Aston Medal to be awarded to “individuals deserving special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to knowledge in the biological, chemical, engineering, mathematical, medical, or physical sciences relating directly to mass spectrometry”. In 2002 the BMSS Medal was established by the society “to recognise sustained contributions by individual members of the British Mass Spectrometry Society to the development of mass spectrometry, primarily within the UK.”^[6]