Our History
The Association of Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeons of Great Britain & Ireland was formed in April 1994 in Harrogate by the amalgamation of the Society of Minimally Invasive General Surgeons (SMIGS) and British Surgical Stapling Group (BSSG).
Since that time the ALRSGBI has established itself as the main voice for laparoscopic and robotic surgeons in the United Kingdom and Ireland, initially under the Presidency of Lord McColl and then Mr David Dunn. David’s tragic death in office in 1998 is commemorated by the David Dunn Medal which is awarded to the presenter of the best paper at the ALRSGBI Annual Scientific Meeting and the David Dunn Travelling Scholarship, funded by the ALRSGBI for £2,500, to allow a British Trainee or Consultant within five years of appointment to make a substantial visit to a unit abroad, to learn new skills in laparoscopic surgery with a view to introducing them to the UK.
In Memoriam
The David Dunn Medal & Travelling Scholarship
Awarded annually at the ALRSGBI ASM to the presenter of the best paper and a £2,500 scholarship for a British Trainee or Consultant within five years of appointment.
Our Aims
What We Stand For
The ALRSGBI aims to foster developments in laparoscopic and robotic surgery, to provide a structure for training, to promote educational and academic objectives and to act as a liaison under the umbrella of the Association of Surgeons with the surgical Royal Colleges, the Specialist Advisory Committee and other surgical and academic bodies. It supports members in negotiations with Trusts, definitions of job plans and contracts and also the assessment of trainees and training posts with the Postgraduate Regional Deans.
Although surgeons may be members of other multidisciplinary groups, such as those dealing with upper and lower gastrointestinal disease, it is important that the specific education and training needs of the minimal access surgeon are recognised. ALRSGBI firmly believes in the importance of high quality training programmes throughout the United Kingdom and this is a fundamental component of the Association’s activities.
Many surgical procedures in the laparoscopic and robotic field were initially developed by enthusiasts but have become part of the general surgical repertoire. It is therefore vitally important that all surgeons professing an interest in the performance of laparoscopic and robotic surgery should be trained to the highest possible standard. To this end the ALRSGBI has been involved in the organisation and approval of laparoscopic and robotic training courses throughout the United Kingdom. In addition, training courses are organised by the ALRSGBI with the support of commercial companies at leading training centres in Ireland, Germany and France. Surgeons wishing to develop their laparoscopic and robotic techniques in their own hospital are supported in doing so by proctoring by members of the ALRSGBI.
The ALRSGBI has gained representation on the Council of the Association of Surgeons and cross representation on the Association of Coloproctology, the Association of Upper GI Surgeons and the Association of Surgeons in Training. A representative on Council is a member of the General Surgical Specialist Advisory Committee and the Association has representation on the Councils of the Surgical Royal Colleges. The Association is affiliated to the European Association of Endoscopic Surgeons (EAES).
Prof. Chelliah Selvasekar
President, ALRSGBI
President's Welcome
Welcome to ALRSGBI
From Silver to Robotics: Shaping the Future of Surgery
Welcome to the Association of Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeons of Great Britain & Ireland (ALRSGBI), the UK’s leading professional body dedicated to advancing minimally invasive, robotic, and technology-enabled surgery.
Founded nearly three decades ago, ALRSGBI has evolved from a pioneering laparoscopic society into a globally recognised leader in robotic and digital surgical practice. As we look towards ASM 2026 at Old Trafford in Manchester, we celebrate a defining journey from our Silver Jubilee legacy to the Robotics era.
The conference is themed ‘Global Collaboration and Partnerships in digital surgery and artificial intelligence’.
"We are not just adopting innovation — we are defining the standards that will shape its future."
As a charitable organisation, ALRSGBI is committed to advancing laparoscopic and robotic surgical excellence, delivering high-quality education and training, and supporting surgeons and theatre teams at every stage of their careers.
Our Purpose
Our Mission
As a charitable organisation, ALRSGBI is committed to excellence across every dimension of minimally invasive and robotic surgical practice.
Surgical Excellence
Advancing laparoscopic and robotic surgical standards across the UK & Ireland.
Education & Training
Delivering high-quality, future-focused education across the entire surgical workforce.
Workforce Support
Supporting surgeons and theatre teams at every stage of their careers.
Innovation Leadership
Leading innovation in technology-enhanced and AI-enabled surgical practice.
Our Strategies
ALRSGBI is guided by a clear set of strategic plans that shape our work across education, research, and membership development. Explore our current strategies below.
ALRSGBI Strategy 2025-2027
Our presidential strategy sets out the priorities and direction for the Association over the next two years, focusing on education, innovation, research, advocacy, and financial sustainability to advance surgical excellence and improve patient outcomes across the UK and Ireland.
ALRSGBI Academy Strategy 2025-2027
Aligned to the presidential strategy, the Academy strategy operationalises our educational priorities through regional training hubs, LapPass® and RoboPass® expansion, subspecialty development, mentorship, wellbeing, and trainee leadership across the UK and Ireland.
ALRTS Strategy 2026-2028
Our ALRTS strategy establishes the Association of Laparoscopic and Robotic Theatre Staff as the central professional home for the multidisciplinary theatre workforce, focusing on digital transformation, LapPass® & RoboPass®, national events, and accessible education in robotic and laparoscopic surgery.
ALRSGBI Research Strategy 2026
Our research strategy aims to establish ALRSGBI as the leading academic voice in Minimally Invasive Surgery. It outlines plans for population-based research, national collaborative studies, a structured Research Committee, and a long-term roadmap for research impact and innovation.
Education & Training
A Complete Surgical Ecosystem
ALRSGBI provides a comprehensive, structured training pathway across the entire surgical workforce — from trainee to trainer to theatre team.
For Trainees
LapPass®
A nationally recognised benchmark for laparoscopic skills, setting the standard for trainee competency across the UK & Ireland.
For Trainees
RoboPass®
A structured robotic skills pathway supporting safe progression into robotic surgery, designed to complement LapPass.
For Trainers
Robotic Training the Trainers
Developing the next generation of expert robotic educators, ensuring high-quality, standardised training delivery.
For Extended Theatre Teams
Robotic TheatrePASS™
A dedicated programme for theatre practitioners, recognising the critical role of the multidisciplinary team in safe robotic surgery.
Programmes & Events
Flagship Education & Innovation
Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM)
Our showcase event featuring live surgery, keynote lectures, and scientific excellence. ASM 2026 at Old Trafford, Manchester.
ALRSGBI Academy (est. 2020)
Representing and empowering trainee surgeons, a dedicated voice for the next generation within the association.
Digital Learning & Webinars
In collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, IAGES, and ARIS, expanding digital education globally.
Operative Video Library
An expanding library of operative videos supporting learning and the dissemination of best surgical practice.
"Through the Keyhole" Podcast
A podcast series exploring the frontiers of laparoscopic and robotic surgery, innovation, and surgical careers.
ALRTS
A dedicated group for theatre staff, empowering and educating to provide recognised competency for theatre teams.
Looking Ahead
From Silver to Robotics
As we move into the Robotics era, our focus is clear:
- →National, system-agnostic robotic training frameworks
- →Simulation, VR, and digital surgical platforms
- →AI-integrated surgical practice
- →Global collaboration and education
- →Future workforce development
- →Surgeons from trainees to senior consultants
- →The ALSGBI Academy for trainee empowerment
- →ALRTS — Association of Robotic & Laparoscopic Theatre Staff
- →National and international professional partners
- →Industry leaders across surgical technology
Leadership
Executive Team (Trustees)
ALRSGBI is led by a distinguished team of consultant surgeons and clinical academics committed to advancing the association’s mission.
Prof. Chelliah Selvasekar
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Undergraduate Training: Madras Medical College, India
Higher Surgical Training: Manchester, Mayo Clinic, USA, with travelling fellowships to Chicago, Italy, Strasbourg and South Korea
Consultant Post: The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
ALSGBI Role: President-Elect
Research: Minimal access surgery in Gastrointestinal conditions, surgical training and innovations in global healthcare addressing inequalities
Clinical Interests: Colorectal & minimal access surgery & Global surgery
Prof. Tan Arulampalam
Colchester Hospital
Undergraduate Training: St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, University of London
Surgical Training: London & Rome
Consultant Post: Colchester Hospital
ALSGBI Role: President
Research: Positron Emission Tomography for cancer imaging, Laparoscopic colorectal surgery, surgical humidification, Texture analysis and AI for radiological diagnosis and prediction in cancer, Early diagnosis of colorectal cancer
Clinical Interests: Minimally invasive surgery,
Mr. Andrew Day
Surrey & Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Undergraduate Training: St George’s Hospital Medical School, graduated 2000
Surgical Training: Surgical registrar training programme South West Thames, 2006-2014. Ethicon Endo-Surgery Laparoscopic Colorectal fellow, Frimley 2014
Consultant Post: Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, appointed 2015
ALSGBI Role: Honorary Secretary
Research: Research at the MATTU, Guildford 2009-2012. MD in the Stress response following laparoscopic colorectal surgery within an enhanced recovery program
Clinical Interests: Enhanced recovery. Rectal cancer surgery, including TEMS procedure. Colorectal robotic lead for the Trust
Prof. Nader Francis
Yeovil / Northwick Park
Undergraduate Training: Cairo University, Egypt
Surgical Training: Dundee, Scotland
Consultant Post: Yeovil District Hospital and Northwick Park Hospital London
ALSGBI Role: Honorary Treasurer
Research: Education, perioperative care of colorectal cancer (CRC) & translational CRC research.
Mr. Altaf Awan
Nottingham / Newcastle
Undergraduate Training: University of Peshawar
Surgical Training: Nottingham, Newcastle
Consultant Post: Upper GI and Laparoscopic surgeon
ALSGBI Role: Director of Education
Research: Acute pancreatitis, Bariatric surgery, Training in Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery
Clinical Interests: Anti-reflux surgery, Gallbladder & Bile duct stones, Complex laparoscopic benign pancreatic and bariatric surgery, robotic surgery and hernia repair
Governance
ALRSGBI Council 2026
President
Prof. C. Selvasekar
Past President
Prof. T. Arulampalam
Honorary Secretary
Mr. A. Day
Honorary Treasurer
Prof. N. Francis
Director of Education
Mr. A. Awan
Regional Council Members
Anglian
Mr. S. Vasudevan
Ireland
Mr. A. McCanny
Midlands
Mr. R.Laing
Northern & Yorkshire
Mr. A. Elshaer
North West & Mersey
Mr. R. Patel
North Thames
Prof. B. Patel
Oxford & Wessex
Mr. S. Mercer
Scotland
Ms. S. Shaikh
South Thames
Mr. K. Singh
South and West
Mr. Rajesh TK
Trent
Mr. I. Bhatti
Wales
Mr. G. Whiteley
ALRSGBI Academy
Chair
Mr. M. Boal
Deputy Chair
Ms. G. Bennett
Past Chair
Ms. T. Morrison
Specialist Roles & Representatives
ALRTS North
Mr. C. Civilli
ALRTS South
Ms. E. Gagasa
BOMSS Rep
Mr. C. Parmar
CORESS / Newsletter
Mr. N. Keeling
Audit / EAES
Ms. M. Yiasemidou
Equality and Diversity
Mr. A. Reddy
ESG
Ms. V. Ngo
Patient Safety Lead
Mr. Krishna Singh
Robotic Leads
Mr.S.Mercer & Mr S.Vasudevan
Social Media Representative
Ms. Oon-Hui Ng
Welfare Officer
Ms. Minali Perera
History
Past Presidents
Since its founding in 1994, ALRSGBI has been led by distinguished surgeons who have shaped the field of laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
| # | President | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Professor Tan Arulampalam | 2023 – 2025 |
| 14 | Mr. D. Mahon | 2021 – 2023 |
| 13 | Mr. D. Menzies | 2019 – 2021 |
| 12 | Mr. S. Dexter | 2017 – 2019 |
| 11 | Mr. P. Sedman | 2015 – 2017 |
| 10 | Mr. M. Vipond | 2013 – 2015 |
| 9 | Professor T. A. Rockall | 2011 – 2013 |
| 8 | Mr. M. Rhodes | 2009 – 2011 |
| 7 | Mr. M. Parker | 2007 – 2009 |
| 6 | Professor M. J. McMahon | 2005 – 2007 |
| 5 | Professor M. E. Bailey | 2003 – 2005 |
| 4 | Mr. C. M. S. Royston | 2001 – 2003 |
| 3 | Professor R. W. Motson | 1999 – 2001 |
| 2 | Mr. D. C. Dunn † | 1997 – 1999 |
| 1 | Professor Lord McColl (Founding) | 1994 – 1997 |
International Partnerships
Global Collaborations
ALRSGBI maintains strategic partnerships with leading surgical organisations worldwide — advancing education, training, and innovation on a global scale.
Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo-Surgeons
A key international collaboration supporting joint education, webinars, and the sharing of best practice in laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery.
Sri Lanka Association of Minimal Access & Digital Surgeons
A major global partnership focused on advancing minimally invasive and digital surgical practice in South Asia.
Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Collaborative webinar series and digital learning programmes, supporting evidence-based surgical education across the UK & Ireland.
Association of Robotic & Innovative Surgeons
Joint webinars and educational content promoting robotic surgery innovation and best practice internationally.
European Association for Endoscopic Surgery
Affiliate membership supporting alignment on endoscopic and laparoscopic standards, research, and training frameworks.
From Silver to Robotics
Join ALRSGBI
Be part of a forward-thinking community committed to excellence, innovation, and the future of surgical care. Help shape the next era of surgery.