ISN Forefronts in Nephrology

ISN Forefronts in Nephrology are designed to advance scientific nephrology in pace with programs in clinical nephrology. Through innovative symposia, basic understanding is determined by intermingling nephrologists with non-nephrologists from interrelated disciplines. Topics, carefully selected by the ISN Forefronts Core Committee, are deliberately limited in scope to allow for in-depth coverage. Each symposium aims to attract no more than 100 – 200 active scientists.

Purpose
Topics and format
History
Venues

Purpose
The key purpose of the Forefronts in Nephrology is to familiarize nephrologists with emerging fields in research which are likely to have a major impact on the future of their work. Much of this research comes from outside nephrology. By making nephrologists aware of the latest research and findings, ISN ensures that its members are at the ‘forefront’ of renal research.

The Forefronts also aim to enhance the quality of nephrology research by establishing contacts and collaboration between outstanding researchers from different fields. An additional goal of the program is to bring young scientists to the symposia so that they are exposed to research at the cutting edge. To facilitate this, ISN offers significant support through travel grants and scholarships.

Topics and format
The symposium topics, as well as the organizers, are rigorously selected by the Forefronts Core Committee. Selected topics are limited in scope to allow in-depth coverage and quality exchange. The symposia attract first-class scientists, both from nephrology and interrelated specialities, with approximately half of the invited speakers being non-nephrologists. The interactive format allows nephrologists to develop a collegial relationship with leading researchers from other disciplines. Poster sessions are also organized to enhance discussions and to boost interaction amongst participants.

The symposia are small with about 150 participants selected based on their documented interest in the symposium topic.

History
The ISN Forefronts in Nephrology program was initiated by key ISN leaders Ike Robinson, Don Seldin, Gerhard Giebisch and others in 1984. It focuses on various aspects of basic research in nephrology by organising symposia of the highest scientific standards.

The first symposium “Molecular Biology of the Kidney” was held in 1986. Since then, the program has organized more than 25 symposia which have not only been highly successful in themselves, but have introduced basic science to a wider nephrological audience.

The program was directed solely by Gerhard Giebisch for over a decade, and in 1995 it was decided that at least two people would be required to accomplish the almost impossible task of replacing him. Bob Alpern and Heini Murer were appointed, thus providing North American and European perspectives. In 2004, to help them in the their task, the Forefronts Core Committee was established, bringing together a group of people with different backgrounds to ensure the future of Forefronts in Nephrology.

Venues
Locations for the Forefronts symposia are chosen very carefully. Symposia have been held in many different parts of the world, but always with the idea of enhancing interaction among participants. With this in mind, the meetings are held in places where the best thing to do is to attend the scientific program and to enjoy together the activities within the hotel or close by. Usually this is far from large cities and big resorts.

For further information please contact the ISN Global Headquarters.