The UKAIS arose from a meeting in 1993 of leading UK academics in information systems. Concerns were expressed at the meeting about the way IS teaching and research were funded. The concerns stemmed from a lack of recognition of IS as a growing and important academic discipline. The UKAIS was established in 1994 to remedy this situation. It is a charity, whose aims are to provide a better knowledge of IS within the UK and to provide a forum for discussing issues in IS teaching and research. Through this means, we will be able to provide graduates in IS who have the appropriate skills and education to meet the skills shortage in public and private sector organisations; and be able to carry out research which is relevant and useful to practice.

The UKAIS is an effective combination of a 'learned society', 'communications channel' and 'pressure group'. By continually improving the quality and relevance of our teaching and through innovative and rigorous research we can contribute to both academic development and excellence in IS practice in the UK. The UKAIS is a conduit for communication between industry and academia to ensure that relevant courses can be designed and research initiatives established. However, we must also be influential in obtaining better understanding of the uniqueness of our subject by HEFCE, the research funding councils, professional bodies, HM Government and UK business. Recently we have achieved recognition that IS is not being dealt with successfully by such bodies and have suggested ways of improving the situation. This is a first step, but the IS community needs to reiterate its case for change.

Part of our role has been to establish links with UK business, HM Government and academic bodies. IS teaching, research and practice are supported by the UKAIS through its annual conference, PhD consortia, workshops, regional groups and quarterly newsletter. In all these activities, we welcome contributions from practitioners.