RAF Institute of Aviation Medicine

The Royal Air Force Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM) was established in 1945 at Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, succeeding the wartime RAF Physiological Laboratory. Initially led by Dr Bryan Matthews, it later came under the leadership of Group Captain Bill Stewart, who became Air Vice-Marshal and received notable awards. The IAM focused on conducting pure and applied research to support RAF flying personnel, with facilities including a decompression chamber (acquired in 1945), a climatic chamber (1952), and a human centrifuge (1955). These facilities were used for training and research into the effects of altitude, G-forces, temperature extremes, and other aviation-related stressors.

During its heyday in the 1960s and 1970s, the IAM became a leading center for aviation medicine research. Key areas of study included high-altitude protection, life support equipment development, spatial disorientation, noise and vibration effects, and accident investigation. The institute's work significantly contributed to improving aircrew safety and performance.

In 1994, the IAM ceased operations, with its assets transferred to DERA’s Centre for Human Sciences. The RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine (CAM) was established in 1998 at RAF Henlow as its successor. Over its nearly five-decade history, the IAM was led by several distinguished commanding officers, including Sir Bryan Matthews and AVM William K Stewart.