60 Years of history
The International Society of Nephrology (ISN) was founded in 1960 by Professor Jean Hamburger, the ISN’s first President, at the 1st International Congress of Nephrology held in Geneva and Evian, Switzerland.
From the outset, the ISN focused on advancing worldwide education, science, and patient care in nephrology. The society has grown to become a leading international community with 8,500 members from across the globe.
Today, the ISN continues to offer access to the latest knowledge and best-practices to a global community through education, grants, research, and advocacy to advance its vision of a future where all people have equitable access to sustainable kidney health.
2011-2020 – A unique role in global nephrology
The International Society of Nephrology 2011-2020
As part of ISN’s 60th anniversary celebration, John Feehally has written an account of ISN’s most recent decade, 2011-2020. An exciting decade for ISN in which there has been a major expansion in the range and impact of its many activities around the world in education and training, research, and advocacy. A decade in which ISN has faced and overcome significant challenges, and has enhanced its unique role as the leading professional organisation in global nephrology.
The International Society of Nephrology advances kidney health worldwide.
Our overarching purpose is to tackle the global burden of acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). We build capacity with healthcare professionals via granting programs, education and research. We bridge gaps in global kidney care, engaging in a collaborative effort with global partners to improve kidney disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. By connecting communities, we develop a stronger understanding of how to manage kidney disease.
Current edition
Past editions
| Name | Country | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| David Harris | Australia | 2017-2019 |
| Adeera Levin | Canada | 2015-2017 |
| Giuseppe Remuzzi | Italy | 2013 - 2015 |
| John Feehally | United Kingdom | 2011 - 2013 |
| Bernardo Rodriguez-Iturbe | Venezuela | 2009 - 2011 |
| Eberhard Ritz | Germany | 2007 - 2009 |
| William Couser | USA | 2005 - 2007 |
| Jan Weening | The Netherlands | 2003 - 2005 |
| Robert C. Atkins | Australia | 2001 - 2003 |
| Thomas E. Andreoli | USA | 1999 - 2001 |
| Kiyoshi Kurokawa | Japan | 1997 - 1999 |
| Robert W. Schrier | USA | 1995 - 1997 |
| J. Stewart Cameron | United Kingdom | 1993 - 1995 |
| Roscoe R. Robinson | USA | 1990 - 1993 |
| Klaus Thurau | Germany | 1987 - 1990 |
| Donald W. Seldin | USA | 1984 - 1987 |
| Gabriel Richet | France | 1981 - 1984 |
| George E. Schreiner | USA | 1978 - 1981 |
| Nils Alwall | Sweden | 1975 - 1978 |
| Priscilla S. Kincaid-Smith | Australia | 1972 - 1975 |
| Hugh E. de Wardener | United Kingdom | 1969 - 1972 |
| John P. Merrill | USA | 1966 - 1969 |
| Claus Brun | Denmark | 1963 - 1966 |
| Jean Hamburger | France | 1960 - 1963 |
Timeline
Discover the ISN’s work of advancing kidney health worldwide over the last six decades
Milestones in Nephrology
ISN is pleased to announce a monthly series, “Milestones in Nephrology”, from the editorial team of Kidney International (KI).
Breakthrough Discoveries
In celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the ISN, the ISN Research Working Group (RWG), publishes a monthly series, “Breakthrough Discoveries”.