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A New Partnership
Paul Stewart and P Reed Larsen
We are delighted to announce that Nature
Clinical Practice Endocrinology & Metabolism has become an
official journal of the International Society of Endocrinology (ISE) with
effect from this issue. The ISE was established in 1960 to advance the
profession and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of endocrinology
information exchange at the international level. Its worldwide membership
currently comprises 63 national societies; the total number of members from
these societies exceeds 35,000 and is steadily growing. Through its national
bodies, ISE reaches to all endocrinologists and associated scientific
professionals working in universities, industry, government agencies and
practitioners in health care facilities.
The mission of the ISE is to disseminate
knowledge of endocrinology, improve training and tackle global endocrine health
issues, in part by uniting the activities of the national partners. Society
activities involve coordinating and organizing international congresses and
conferences. With the help of the national endocrine societies, the ISE is also
reaching out to developing countries by formulating training programs. One
important goal is the creation of an Endocrine Scholars program, whereby
selected candidates will receive training at mentoring institutions and then
return to their own countries to disseminate their knowledge. ISE also promotes
the publication of books, reports and articles related to endocrinology.
The society has come a long way from the
early 1960s when international measurement standards in endocrinology were put
in place. Now, 40 years later, the ISE is committed to reform so it can better
cater to the global needs of endocrinology and plans to do so through changes
to its conferencing structure, closer liaison and partnership with its national
constituents and development of its web-site www.endosociety.com.
From an editorial perspective, we are
extremely excited about this new relationship. The formal association with ISE
synergizes perfectly with the mission of Nature Clinical Practice Endocrinology
and Metabolism. Individuals belonging to ISE member organizations
across the world will be able to subscribe to the journal at reduced rates,
thus increasing its accessibility. In addition, the leadership of the
ISE-Professors Melmed and Stewart-are already valued journal Advisory Board
members. The editorial team will continue to welcome their counsel, not only as
distinguished clinical endocrinologists, but in their new role as
representatives of the international endocrine community. The feedback they
will provide from this constituency will enable us to address the needs of the
broadest possible endocrine audience. We are certain that these changes will
facilitate our goal of providing new information in a timely fashion to all
physicians involved in the practice of endocrinology. In this way, we hope to
aid them in providing the highest quality of care for their patients
irrespective of international boundaries. We will also collaborate with the ISE
to address important endocrine issues that have global health significance,
such as obesity and iodine deficiency, by disseminating new knowledge about
these topics. We look forward to a stimulating and mutually productive
relationship.
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