In 1981 the Institute of University Safety Officers was founded, as membership widened beyond the University sector, it was re-named in 1992 as the Institute of Safety in Technology and Research (ISTR). In 2011 ISTR recognised that a large proportion of their membership consisted of those with a biosafety role and acknowledged the need to specifically cater for this group. The Biosafety Steering Group was formed and established standards of competency and professional recognition for biosafety practitioners in the UK. 

In recognition of the expertise in both ISTR and the Biosafety Steering Group, the UK Biosafety Association (UKBSA) was formed in September 2024 and is incorporated into ISTR. 

ISTR is well respected by external bodies and makes representation to and is consulted by other professional bodies and regulators in the UK and abroad. 

Through the UKBSA we are affirming that ISTR and UKBSA are the home for Safety Specialists in the UK.

The aim of the UKBSA is to act as a focal point/voice for the UK biosafety community.

The UKBSA represent the interests of UK biosafety nationally and internationally on behalf of ISTR and is a partner organisation of the European Biosafety Association (EBSA).

The UKBSA will continue to develop and prepare guidance, where necessary, on biosafety-related topics,  and maintain an oversight of the future development of the ISTR level 1 and 2 biosafety accreditation schemes.