Why Nexus? Why now?

The ISN’s decision to launch a new series of symposia – focused on important clinical topics related to kidney disease – was fuelled by a common, pressing, and twofold dilemma:

Firstly, although we are undoubtedly living through some of the most exciting times ever in biomedical research, with the constant explosion of new data, keeping abreast of the advances in basic and clinical nephrology presents a formidable challenge - particularly for busy clinicians.

The complexities of this predicament increase further through the escalating demand for a bench-to-bedside, or translational approach, to directly link basic research to specific clinical challenges.

A further principle objective of the Nexus series is to adopt a more interdisciplinary approach to truly decipher the interrelation between diseases and their manifestations.

While conferences in the renal field are increasingly providing a broad overview of several topics, there is little or rare opportunity to gain in-depth insight into specific key areas. A multitude of topics seem to compete against each other and little meaningful discussion or future directions prosper. Quantity seems to have taken priority over quality.

Furthermore, today’s meetings typically do not provide the forum for researchers and practicing physicians to exchange knowledge, discuss clinically relevant information, or to establish an active link between critical basic research and their clinical applications.

Now is the time to really follow a “from the bed to the bench side” format by challenging basic researchers to focus on some of the most relevant clinical challenges when it comes to diagnosis and management of patients.

ISN’s Nexus Symposia are designed to address these unmet needs by linking research to practice. Promoting and facilitating an integrated understanding of the relevant topics the ISN Nexus Symposia will ultimately provide a clearer interpretation of data and ensure that the most clinically relevant aspects are put into practice.

Program Format and Formula

The format of each ISN Nexus Symposium will be uniquely tailored to focus on important new data and advancement within a specific field of clinical relevance. Favouring a highly translational approach to disease management each meeting will strive to provide physicians with new insight and hands-on information that they can instantly apply.

Highly sensitive to pressures on agendas, the schedules for the symposia are planned to ensure that clinicians are away from their patients for a minimum period of time (Thursday night until Sunday).

Maximised focus, exchange and results

Each day the program will be specially structured to include one basic and one clinical session to run in parallel, followed by the key element to link research to practice – the translational sessions. The Nexus symposia will also incorporate a series of exciting plenary lectures to be given by leaders within the field, along with industry symposia, poster and oral sessions, and networking breaks.

The translational nature of the content will also be amplified with an inter-speciality approach which will provide an additional view point and increased appreciation and understanding of the complexities of a disease.

ISN’s Nexus Symposia will promote focused and in-depth discussions, networking and exchange of ideas among scientists and physicians who recognize both the luxury of focusing on one specific topic and the need to bridge the “bench to the bedside” gap.