Conferences are arranged on specific topics and every three years an International Symposium covering a wide range of research in these scientific areas is organized; the last (IBBS17) was held in Manchester, UK.
Its aims are to promote the sciences of Biodeterioraion and Biodegradation by means of international meetings, conferences and publications.
The aim of the Society was to promote the science of Biodeterioration, which is defined as any undesirable change in the properties of a material caused by the vital activities of living organisms.
[3][4] The economic importance of biodeterioration was discussed in an article by Dennis Allsopp, a former president and secretary of the Society.
The Honorary Scientific Programme Officers collaborate on the organization of conferences and small meetings suggested by members.
Back issues of the Society's first publication, International Biodeterioration Bulletin (1965-1986, now discontinued) have been converted into digital format and made freely available on the website [5].
IBBS has a diverse membership with scientists from all over the world and with approximately equal numbers of male and female members.