Clinical scientist Ian Godber stepped into the role of President of the Association for Laboratory Medicine (LabMed), at LabMedUK25 in Manchester on 11 June 2025, officially succeeding Kath Hayden. The Association also unveiled a new five-year strategy at the event.
Ian, a consultant clinical scientist (lead clinician) at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, will bring an energising blend of experience and enthusiasm to the role. Having been elected in August 2024, Ian was President‑elect in the lead‑up to his official start this month.
Commenting on his new role, Ian said: “'I am extremely honoured and excited to be taking over as President of the Association for Laboratory Medicine. LabMed has evolved in recent years, adapting to advancements within the profession to become a unique and powerful resource for clinical, scientific, and professional guidance for those working in Laboratory Medicine, setting values and standards we should be proud of. I’m very proud of the work carried out by my predecessor Kath Hayden, and look forward to continuing this, facilitating the aims of the five-year plan developed by the Association, its directors, committees and membership as a whole”
Ian takes on the role at an exciting time for LabMed: which is preparing to host EuroMedLab 2027 in London.
Also at this year’s AGM, LabMed unveiled its new five-year strategy (2025-2029), introduced by outgoing President, Kath Hayden. Building on the Association’s strong foundation and growing inclusive membership, this new strategy sets out an ambitious agenda to advance laboratory medicine in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
Guided by a vision to advance health and wellbeing in the UK through excellence in laboratory science and innovation, the strategy identifies four key areas where LabMed will drive change:
- Digital readiness – supporting members to harness AI, machine learning and digital systems to enhance patient care and innovation.
- Standards and guidance – ensuring best practices is consistently applied through better access to, and involvement in, national guideline development.
- Visibility and leadership – raising the profile of clinical scientists and empowering members to influence policy, research, and public understanding of diagnostics.
- Workforce development – championing career pathways, training, and fair recognition to support a thriving and sustainable laboratory workforce.
This strategy was co-developed with members and stakeholders through a collaborative Theory of Change process that reflected on the profession’s key challenges, from digital transformation to workforce pressures and imagined what success should look like in 2029.
Click here to read the full strategy.