Join a multidisciplinary community working together to improve pain research, education and care.
The British Pain Society (BPS) brings together healthcare professionals, researchers and others interested in pain to share knowledge, develop expertise and help improve the lives of people living with pain.
Membership offers opportunities to access professional publications, educational activities, Special Interest Groups, grants and awards, and connections with the wider pain community.
Our membership year runs from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027.
Step 1: Check your eligibility and membership fee
The BPS offers different membership categories to reflect members' professional backgrounds and circumstances.
Your annual subscription depends on your membership category and, where applicable, your total taxable income.
View membership fees and eligibility
Please check the eligibility criteria before submitting your application. If you are unsure which category applies to you, contact the Secretariat.
Step 2: Prepare your supporting information
Applications must be completed online and include the information required to assess your eligibility.
Please prepare a brief curriculum vitae (CV) containing:
-
Your professional qualifications.
-
Your employment history.
-
Details of two referees whom the Society may contact. Your referees do not need to be BPS members.
Student and Early Career applicants must also provide the required evidence of eligibility.
Please ensure that all the information provided is accurate and complete to help us process your application efficiently.
Step 3: Complete your online application
Complete the online membership application form and provide the requested personal and professional information.
During the application process, you can also select the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) you would like to join.
BPS Special Interest Groups bring together members with shared interests in particular areas of pain research, clinical practice and care.
Explore our Special Interest groups
Step 4: Pay your membership subscription
Payment of your annual subscription is made online during the application process.
We encourage members to consider Direct Debit for subsequent annual subscriptions, as this helps reduce the Society's administration costs. Download the direct form.
View membership fees and eligibility
Step 5: Application review
Once you have submitted your application, supporting information and payment, the Society will check that your application meets the requirements for membership.
Applications are normally processed within approximately two weeks.
If further information is required, the membership team may contact you.
Join the international pain community through IASP
Add International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) membership for £25
BPS offers eligible UK-based members, including Honorary Members, the opportunity to add membership of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) for an additional £25.
IASP connects a global multidisciplinary community dedicated to advancing pain research, education and treatment.
IASP membership offers opportunities to:
-
Connect with pain professionals and researchers internationally.
-
Access international education, learning and professional development opportunities.
-
Engage with IASP Special Interest Groups and global initiatives.
-
Explore journals, grants, awards and selected event discounts, subject to IASP membership terms.
IASP membership is optional at £25 separate from your BPS subscription.
Find our more about IASP membership
You can join IASP during the BPS application process, where this option is available.
Terms and conditions of membership
Before submitting your application, please read the following terms and conditions.
Membership eligibility and approval
Membership applications are subject to the Society's membership eligibility requirements and applicable governing rules. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.
You must provide accurate information and any supporting documents required to assess your eligibility. The Society may contact your referees or request further information where necessary.
Membership year and subscriptions
The BPS membership year runs from 1 November to 31 October.
The applicable annual subscription is determined by your membership category and, where relevant, your taxable income. You are responsible for checking that the category selected is appropriate to your circumstances.
Payment must be made through the available payment methods during the application process.
Membership cancellation and refunds
If you wish to cancel your membership, the following cancellation policy applies.
1. Cancellation window
You may cancel your membership within seven working days of receiving written confirmation of your provisional membership.
2. Refund eligibility
If you cancel within this seven-working-day period, you are entitled to a full refund, which will be processed within 30 days of your request.
Refunds are not available for cancellation requests made after the seven-working-day period has ended.
3. Event attendance during the cancellation period
If you attend a BPS event during the cancellation period and use the member registration rate, you will be required to pay the difference between the member and non-member event rates. The difference will be invoiced separately.
4. How to cancel
To request cancellation, email [email protected] and include your membership details.
IASP membership
IASP membership is optional. The additional £25 fee relates to IASP membership and is separate from your BPS subscription.
Privacy and supporting information
Personal information and supporting documents supplied as part of your application will be handled in accordance with the Society's applicable privacy and data protection requirements.
By submitting your application, you confirm that the information you have provided is accurate and that you have read and understood the applicable membership terms and conditions.
Need help?
If you have questions about membership categories, eligibility or your application, contact the BPS Secretariat
Email: [email protected]
Together, we will do more for pain.