The Association, a registered charity (No. 275655), was founded in 1904 and has as its objectives "To promote the study and advancement of all branches of Biology and in particular (but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing), to foster the practice, growth and development of applied biology, including the application of biological sciences for the production and preservation of food, fibre and other materials and for the maintenance and improvement of earth's physical environment". We have approximately 800 members across the world and many libraries subscribe to our publications. Membership is open to all interested in applied biology.