International Society
of Inflammation and Allergy of the Nose.

Rhinologists and allergists have a long history of treating inflammatory diseases of the airways. The worldwide Covid pandemic has illustrated how little medical science knows about the pathophysiology of infectious upper and lower respiratory viruses, including the potential protective role of nasal immunity. The olfactory system was particularly vulnerable to Covid. The potential role for us will be to apply the knowledge gained in our studies of CRS and asthma to this deadly threat. The theoretical application of nasal vaccines and transnasal therapeutics, in particular for anosmia, is obvious. This is a huge challenge, but I am sure we will rise to meet it!

Thus, the importance of ISIAN cannot be underestimated as we facilitate research and education on these topics. Inflammatory and infectious diseases vary around the world, and we have much to learn from each other. Our annual meetings will continue to have significant impact on physician practice and basic research. ISIAN ensures that clinicians and investigators are brought together to discuss their work, and to disseminate their knowledge with practitioners in the field, thereby providing maximal benefit to both patients and to the general public. In addition to its regular meetings, ISIAN members share their knowledge through the official journal of the Society, the International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology and other scientific publications.

ISIAN membership is open to physicians and surgeons who include disorders of the airways in their practice and to researchers with an interest in this field, and membership application is made online. Annual meetings provide both an opportunity to promulgate expertise and interact with others performing basic research or clinical work within this rapidly evolving field. Every other year, the ISIAN meeting has traditionally been held in conjunction with the European Rhinologic Society. ISIAN also has a special commitment to education in the Far East, as well as in developing countries. ISIAN provides a truly unique opportunity for education and for the interchange of research within the field. Through this route we have been able to bring cutting-edge concepts to address this burgeoning problem to people as far apart as Manilla, London, Amsterdam, Sophia, Kuala Lumpur, Chicago, Seoul, Philadelphia and Tokyo. Members who are truly preeminent and internationally recognized within their field can also apply to the ISIAN board to be considered as a potential host of a future ISIAN meeting within their country. It is our hope that all otolaryngologists and allergists will join ISIAN and have the opportunity to participate in our forthcoming meetings.

Sincerely,

Robert C. Kern, MD, FACSI

General Secretary, ISIAN

Professor and Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology

Northwestern University, Feinberg School, of Medicine