The British Mass Spectrometry Society is a registered charity founded in 1964 that encourages participation in every aspect of mass spectrometry. 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.