The British Neuro-Oncology Society (BNOS) has its origins in The British Glioma Group (conceived in 1980 as a forum for basic scientists) which became in 1989 The British Neuro Oncology Group, in order to recognise the inclusion of tumours other than glioma, and then The British Neuro-Oncology Society in 2004. By this time, the organisation had widened its coverage to become truly multi-disciplinary, welcoming neurosurgeons, neuro-scientists, neurologists, neuropathologists, neuroradiologists, neuropsychologists, paediatric and adult oncologists, neuropsychiatrists, clinical nurse specialists, radiotherapists, allied health professionals, members of patient and advocacy organisations and many more disciplines.

The Society encourages junior members in all these disciplines by means of dedicated education days and various prizes and awards. BNOS is central to promoting all branches of medicine related to neuro-oncology, leading the way in enhancing both research and clinical practice and uniting all the allied sectors, including Parliamentary and Government. From the earliest days of its predecessor organisations, BNOS has always entertained international figures in neuro-oncology and the Society continues to interact with appropriate national, European and international bodies.

BNOS strives to network neuro-oncology in the following ways:

• By creating opportunities at our annual meetings for effective interaction and collaboration between the diverse neuro-oncology disciplines
• By fostering specialist education and training for junior scientists and clinicians at our annual Education Day, we strive to encourage young professionals to make neuro-oncology their career of choice
• We encourage the sharing of innovation in research and clinical practice by offering opportunities for abstract presentations, awards and bursaries
• Alerting individuals working in the field of neuro-oncology of potential funding opportunities and job vacancies via our website
• Acting as the voice of neuro-oncology in the political process, promoting increased research funding and up-to-date utilisation of treatments and techniques in clinical practice