The Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (IEHF - formerly The Ergonomics Society) is the UK-based professional society for ergonomists, human factors specialist and those involved in user-centred design.
The society was officially created on 17 September 1949 at a meeting of a number of scientists at the Admiralty in London. Among the founder members were Sir Frederic Bartlett, Donald Broadbent, W. E. Hick, Alan Welford, and J. S. Weiner.
In 1957 it started to publish the periodical journal "Ergonomics". In partnership with Taylor and Francis Ltd, the Institute now publishes the following journals: Ergonomics, Applied Ergonomics, Behaviour and Information Technology, Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science, Work and Stress, Injury Control and Safety Promotion, Journal of Sports Sciences, Ergonomics in Design.
The IEHF gives a number of awards for accomplishments in ergonomics and human factors including the President's Medal and the Sir Frederic Bartlett award for major contributions to ergonomics. Previous recipients of the Sir Frederic Bartlett award include Dr Christine Haslegrave and Professor John Wilson from the Human Factors Research Group (HFRG), University of Nottingham.
The Institute has a number Special Interest Groups (SIGs) for: Driving Ergonomics, Human-Computer Interaction, Healthcare Ergonomics, Sports Ergonomics, Nuclear Ergonomics, Occupational Safety and Motorcycle Ergonomics.
The IEHF, which is currently working towards a Royal Charter, has its offices at Loughborough. There are currently a total of 1500 members. The current President is Peter Buckle (University of Surrey) who has replaced John Wilson (Human Factors Research Group, HFRG).
In 2008, to mark the Journal’s 50th year of publication, a Special Issue of "Ergonomics" (Volume 51, Number 1), overseen by guest editors Neville A. Stanton and Rob Stammers, was published, covering the history of the society and including a re-print of the Ergonomics Research Society lecture given by Sir Frederick Bartlett in 1962.
The IEHF worked in partnership with other organisations and the UK Government to establish the Occupational Health & Safety Consultant Register (OSHCR).
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