The BJS Foundation is a UK-based charitable organization dedicated to advancing education and knowledge dissemination in the field of surgery. Registered under charity number 271326, the Foundation operates with a mission to improve surgical education and promote innovative methods of teaching and practicing surgery across all surgical specialties.

History and Purpose

The Foundation's principal objective is to support and promote the British Journal of Surgery (BJS), Europe's leading surgical journal, thereby facilitating the dissemination of high-quality scientific research in surgery. It owns and manages the internationally recognized surgical journals BJS and BJS Open, published in partnership with Oxford University Press. Through these journals and its strategic international partnerships, the Foundation has established a unique role in surgical publishing and education worldwide.

Key Activities and Structure

The BJS Foundation delivers its mission primarily through three interrelated areas:

• BJS Journals: The Foundation maintains and enhances the reputation of its flagship journals, sharing cutting-edge surgical research and remaining a leading voice in European surgical science.

• BJS Academy: An open-access online education platform, the Academy offers a wide range of educational materials including videos, podcasts, seminars, and written contents designed for both surgical trainees and experienced surgeons. Materials cater to global audiences with adaptability to different healthcare systems, and strategic surgical partners benefit from tailored content.

• BJS Institute: This branch provides opportunities for postgraduate accredited education, offering online academic courses developed in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh. It complements the Academy’s resources and journal content by providing discounted access to further educational qualifications.

Governance

The Foundation is governed by a Council of Management consisting of Trustees and Directors responsible for oversight of all activities. Daily operations are managed by an Executive Committee, including a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice Chairs. Supporting bodies such as the Charity Committee and Sub-Committees assist in specific functions, while experienced editorial teams oversee the production and management of the Foundation’s journals.

Charitable Activities and Funding

The Charity Committee oversees charitable activities distinct from the Foundation's partnerships and publications. It manages funding applications primarily from surgical trainee organizations, student societies, and other registered charities, subject to specific guidelines ensuring funds are applied appropriately. Available funding includes awards such as the BJS Lecture (£1,000–£2,500), BJS Prize (£750), and other grants on request.

Strategic Partnerships

The BJS Foundation maintains strategic collaborations with international surgical societies and organizations, such as the Surgical Research Society, enhancing the global reach and impact of its publications and educational resources. These partnerships contribute to the Foundation’s goal of diffusing knowledge and advancing surgical education on an international scale.

The BJS Foundation remains a pivotal institution in surgery, combining scholarly publishing with innovative education to support surgical professionals throughout their careers and advance the science and practice of surgery worldwide.

[1] https://www.bjsacademy.com/page/about [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/271326 [3] https://old.bjsacademy.com/about/charitable-activities [4] https://ngo-explorer.dkane.net/charity/271326 [5] https://surgicalresearch.org.uk/bjs-foundation-strategic-partnership/