About the charity

Symposium Mammographicum is a registered charity founded in 1979. Its principal aims are ‘to stimulate and support research and disseminate knowledge about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast disease’.

At the time of Symposium Mammographicum’s inception there were only a few centres practising mammography in the UK and there was a considerable variation in quality. Even when the National Health Breast Screening Programme was designed, there were only twelve units in the UK with teams which were considered to have adequate expertise.

Formerly, training initiatives have been organised by the trustees and members including numerous workshops and training weekends for radiographers and radiologists throughout the UK. Travelling faculties have conducted symposia and hospital-based training in Abu Dhabi, Eire, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Thailand.

From these initiatives, a Bursary scheme was developed to enable professionals from overseas to undertake training placements and clinical attachments in the UK. Applicants of the scheme, if approved by the Trustees, are invited to attend the Symposium. After the event, awardees submit a report of their experience and how they will use their new found knowledge back in their home country. Examples of past stories may be viewed at Bursary Reports. The Bursary has recently been extended, in certain circumstances to patient and public representatives in the UK, and, medical and healthcare students and staff who are considering entering or switching to a breast imaging speciality, or those who are returning to practice after a career break and considering specialising in breast imaging.

In addition, an Award scheme is available to provide a resource for professionals to undertake a research project or present a paper at one of the Symposium’s biennial conferences. Examples of projects funded by the Charity may be viewed by the via the Awards tab.

The Charity organises a conference, complemented by a technical exhibition and workshops, usually over a three day period. The last event was held on line due to the Covid-19 pandemic in February 2021. All the presentations and workshops were recorded and are available on line until the 1st May.

The next event is scheduled to take place at the SEC in Glasgow, Scotland between the 21st  and 23rd June 2023 and the programme will be developed in due course and published nearer the time.

Mission Statement
Symposium Mammographicum aims to play a leading national and international role in advancing technological and clinical sciences related to breast imaging, thereby improving patient care. These aims will be achieved through disseminating knowledge, sharing and promoting best practice, fostering debate and collaboration, encouraging and supporting research, and by widening participation in such activities.

Registered office and Registered Charity No. 291982 A Company Limited by Guarantee – Registered in England No. 1886866 Registered Address – 2 St Mary’s Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 2LB, United Kingdom