Uniting the World to Fight Kidney Diseases
The International Society of Nephrology (ISN) is dedicated to advancing kidney health worldwide through education, research, and advocacy.
Purpose of ISN
Promoting Research: Supporting research initiatives to expand knowledge on kidney diseases and improve treatment options.
Advancing Education: Providing educational programs, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), to enhance the capacity of healthcare professionals in nephrology.
Advocacy for Kidney Diseases: Increasing awareness among the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, emphasizing affordable healthcare solutions.
Values of ISN
Focus on Global Kidney
Health:
The ISN dedicates its activities solely to improving kidney health worldwide.
Collaboration and Inclusivity:
It recognizes the importance
of a network of
stakeholders and partners to achieve its goals, fostering inclusivity
and collaboration.
Efficiency and Innovation: The ISN strives to be knowledgeable, efficient, and dependable in its operations,
embracing innovation and openness to change.
History of International Society of Nephrology
The International Society of Nephrology (ISN) was founded in 1960 by Professor Jean Hamburger at the 1st International Congress of Nephrology in Geneva and Evian, Switzerland. Since its inception, the ISN has focused on advancing global education, science, and patient care in nephrology. Here is a brief overview of its history:
Today, the ISN is a leading international community with over 8,500 members, dedicated to advancing kidney health globally through education, research, and advocacy.
Key Services and Programs
Fellowship Program:
× Provides hands-on training in nephrology for physicians from emerging countries in developed renal centers.
× Fellows return home to improve local care and start new ISN programs
Sister Renal Centers (SRC) Program:
× Links emerging renal centers with established centers of excellence worldwide.
× Fosters long-term partnerships to enhance clinical practice and disease prevention strategies in developing regions
Continuing Medical Education Program:
× Offers essential teaching and training to doctors and healthcare practitioners in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
× Supports local and regional meetings tailored to meet specific needs
Educational Ambassadors Program:
× Sends experts to developing renal centers for hands-on training and service development.
× Supports community-based research and screening programs
Clinical Research Program:
× Funds research projects addressing local kidney disease needs in LMICs.
× Focuses on screening, prevention, and clinical studies related to AKI and CKD
Advocacy & Policy:
× Collaborations with WHO and policymakers for kidney health policies.
× Public awareness campaigns on kidney disease prevention.
Additional Initiatives
- Global Kidney Health Summit: Brings together stakeholders to identify gaps in care and develop strategies for improvement
- Global Kidney Health Atlas: Documents the global burden of kidney disease
- Global Kidney Health Policy Forum: Facilitates multi-stakeholder engagement to advocate for sustainable kidney health solutions
- World Kidney Day: Raises global awareness about kidney health
- Kidney Care Networks and Saving Young Lives: Projects aimed at improving kidney care access and outcomes
Membership Benefits, Eligibility, and Networking Opportunities
Access to Scientific Content: Members receive access to ISN journals, including Kidney International and Kidney International Reports, either in print and online or online only.
ISN Academy and Grants: Full members can access the ISN Academy and participate in grant programs, which support research and education initiatives.
Reduced Event Rates: Members enjoy discounted rates for ISN events, such as the World Congress of Nephrology (WCN) and ISN Frontiers meetings.
Voting Rights and Leadership Opportunities: Full members have voting rights and can hold office within the ISN
Publication Fee Discounts: Members receive discounts on publication fees for accepted papers in Kidney International Reports
Full Membership: For doctors, scientists, or allied health professionals with a health-related doctoral degree
Associate Membership: For allied health professionals or individuals interested in kidney disease
Trainee Membership: For those in a designated nephrology training program (limited to 5 years)
Student Membership: For students pursuing a medical degree (limited to 5 years)
Emeritus Membership: For retired or disabled Full members with at least 10 years of ISN membership
Free Membership for Low-Income Countries: Membership is free for individuals from low-income countries, ensuring global accessibility
Global Community: With thousands of members from over 160 countries, the ISN offers a vast international network for collaboration and knowledge exchange
Events and Meetings: The ISN organizes the World Congress of Nephrology, ISN Frontiers meetings, stakeholder meetings, courses, workshops, and webinars to connect professionals worldwide
Collaborations with Other Societies: The ISN partners with over 100 national and regional societies to enhance global kidney care through shared knowledge and resources
ISN Network: Members can engage with a diverse community of nephrologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals through various platforms, fostering a collaborative environment for advancing kidney health
Video Library
Congresses and Meetings
ISN Meetings
ISN Meetings World Congress of Nephrology (WCN) ISN organizes WCN, the leading educational event in international nephrology, every two years in different regions of the
Congresses and Meetings
International Congresses of Nephrology ISN organinizes the World Congress of Nephrology (WCN), the premier educational event in international nephrology, every two years in different regions of
International Congresses of Nephrology
ICNs in 2001 and 2003: 1 San Francisco, CA, USA, 14-17 October 2001 2. Berlin, Germany, 9-12 June 2003 3. Singapore, 2005 4. Venue open for bidding
ISN Forefronts in Nephrology
2003: Immunology and Renal Diseases 2-5 June 2003 , Groß Dölln (60 km north of Berlin), Germany. Held in conjunction with the World Congress of
Awards and achievements
achievements
- Global Impact: The ISN has significantly expanded its reach over the past decade, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), through programs like the Sister Renal Centers and educational initiatives.
- ISN Academy: Offers extensive online educational content, including talks, podcasts, and webinars, tailored to emerging nephrology needs in LMICs.
- Research and Publication: The ISN publishes Kidney International and Kidney International Reports, leading journals in nephrology research.
Partners and sponsors
Contact the ISN
Global Operations Center
Avenue des Arts 1-2, B-1210 Brussels, Belgium
Americas Operations Center
340 North Avenue 3rd Floor, Cranford, NJ 07016-2496, USA