BIR welcomes president Professor Keevil as it marks 125 years with new coat of arms

Professor Stephen Keevil was inaugurated as president of The British Institute of Radiology (BIR) in an event held on the International Day of Radiology and World Radiography Day, on November 8, 2022.

In his acceptance speech, Professor Keevil thanked immediate past president Dr Sri Redla and previous incumbent Dr Jane Phillips-Hughes. He also paid tribute to the very first president of the BIR Professor Sylvanus Thompson, who was inaugurated on almost the same day 125 years previously.

Professor Keevil remarked that Professor Thompson was a physicist and, like himself, had a keen interest in heraldry. This was timely as Professor Keevil revealed the design of a new coat of arms for the BIR. Before cutting the 125th anniversary cake, he said how much he was looking forward to his term as president, to working with new ceo Sara Purdy and to taking the new five-year strategy forward.

To mark the anniversary, Dr Adrian Thomas provided a historical exhibit at the event and copies of Godfrey Hounsfield: Intuitive Genius of CT were given away, signed by co-authors Dr Thomas and Elizabeth Beckmann.

Professor Keevil has been a supporter and member of the BIR for many years, serving on the council as vice president external affairs, on the BIR MRI committee and the BIR MR safety working party. He is head of medical physics at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, heading a team of almost 200 staff who provide a comprehensive range of medical physics and clinical engineering services. He is also professor of medical physics at King’s College London.

Published on page 19 of the January 2023 issue of RAD Magazine.