The Vampire Research Society (VRS) — also referred to by the fuller name International Society for the Advancement of Irrefutable Vampirological and Lycanthropic Research — is a British organisation dedicated to the investigation of claimed vampiric phenomena, founded by Sean Manchester and describing itself as the United Kingdom's official advisory body on matters of vampires and vampirism.
Origins
The Society originated in 1967 as a specialist unit within the older British Occult Society (BOS), of which Manchester was president. It became a self-governing body in its own right on 2 February 1970, by which point Manchester, still acting under the BOS, had already initiated a full-time investigation into the Highgate Vampire case the previous year — an investigation that would continue for thirteen years. The first published account of the case appeared as a chapter in The Vampire's Bedside Companion (1975), with the fuller account following in Manchester's own book, The Highgate Vampire (1985).
Membership
For its first two decades, the VRS operated with open membership and grew to around 300 members. In 1990, amid the emergence of several other vampire-interest groups in England, the Society restricted membership to invitation only, in order to concentrate specifically on practical research. Prospective members are typically approached by an existing member, submit a written application, and are vetted in person by at least three executive members before admission. The Society describes its work as "pro-active" — meaning operative investigation of claimed phenomena, as distinct from purely speculative or fan-oriented interest in vampire lore.
Scope of activity
The VRS confines its work to investigating possible paranormal manifestations connected to vampirism, and has stated it has no connection to, or interest in, the broader modern "vampire subculture" — including self-identified real-life vampires, blood-drinking practices, or related medical conditions, all of which it regards as outside its remit.
Related organisations
The VRS shares historical roots with the British Occult Society and with The Ghost Club, with some individuals — including Peter Underwood — holding senior positions across more than one of the three organisations over the years.
Today
The VRS remains active under Manchester's continued presidency.