As the professional body representing biologists, the IoB was frequently consulted on biological issues by Government, Parliament, industry and other organisations.
Due to its widespread members and affiliated societies, it prided itself on producing a balanced response that reflected the views of the biological profession as a whole.
The Institute's house journal was Biologist, featuring news and book reviews, but mainly overview articles of biological topics.
In the Institute's 50-year history its most popular in-house publication was "Careers with Biology" that ran to several editions and tens of thousands of copies.
In the late 1990s through to 2003 its joint publishing ventures with Hobsons saw bioscience university course guides go each year to every secondary school in the UK.
The regional branches also regularly organised other scientific as well as social events and included topics of fundamental research as well as socio-political interest.
During 2003, the IoB merged with the Biosciences Federation (BSF) re-inventing "a single authority within the life sciences that decision-makers are able to consult for opinion and information to assist the formulation of public policy".
"[5] Members agreed to uphold standards of professional behaviour contained in the Royal Charter: The IoB offered members a number of benefits, including subscriptions to in-house journals, Journal of Biological Education and The Biologist, its publications, discounts on third party products and services and also discounted use of the meeting facilities at the IoB headquarters in London.
It demonstrated a high level of attainment in biological experience, personal integrity, professional attributes and academic qualifications.
This offered a route to honours degree level qualifications in biology for students unable to commit to full time higher education.
Graduates of the IoB could apply for election to full membership after demonstrating the required level of experience and responsibility in the field of the biological sciences.