ASN, ERA-EDTA and ISN Declaration of Collaboration

Three major nephrology societies — the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) (@ASNKidney), the European Renal Association – European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) (@ERAEDTA), and the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) (@ISNkidneycare) ― signed a declaration of collaboration. The organizations agreed that kidney disease is a global challenge that respects no boundaries or borders. Therefore, all available synergies should be used to fight kidney disease and improve the standard of care for kidney patients worldwide.

“The information age in which we live means that networking becomes more and more vital. We follow the same goal of advancing education, research and science to achieve the highest quality care for everyone with kidney disease. Together we achieve more, so it is time to put our experience and knowledge together”, explains Professor Dr Andrzej Więcek, president of the ERA-EDTA.

To create the best possible synergy, the three societies agreed to collaborate in:

• helping physicians who have just started careers as nephrologists or are considering this possibility, locally, regionally and nationally
• providing kidney professionals worldwide with more consistent, complete and up-to-date information about kidney diseases and treatments
• advocating to ensure access to care and to harmonize efforts to prevent and treat kidney disease worldwide
• creating joint initiatives to leverage the societies’ respective strengths.

“The collaboration will facilitate communication among the societies, but will also represent an important step in strengthening the discipline of nephrology. International cooperation improves the standing of a discipline in the world of medical science – and people across the world must become more aware of nephrology and kidney disease”, comments ASN president, Professor Dr Raymond C. Harris. Professor Dr Adeera Levin, ISN president, emphasizes the political dimension of the signed agreement: “When pursuing political goals and addressing global policy-makers, it is especially important to speak with one voice. To shape policy it is necessary to advocate globally!”

About ASN
Since 1966, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has been leading the fight to prevent, treat, and cure kidney diseases throughout the world by educating health professionals and scientists, advancing research and innovation, communicating new knowledge, and advocating for the highest quality care for patients. ASN has nearly 16,000 members representing 112 countries.

About ERA-EDTA
With more than 7,000 members, the ERA-EDTA (European Renal Association – European Dialysis and Transplant Association)  is one of the biggest nephrology associations worldwide and one of the most important and prestigious European Medical Associations. It supports basic and clinical research in the fields of clinical nephrology, dialysis, renal transplantation and related subjects. The ERA-EDTA supports a number of studies as well as research groups and has founded a special “Fellowship Programme” for young investigators as well as grant programmes. In order to involve young nephrologists in all activities of the ERA-EDTA the Council decided to create a Young Nephrologists’ Platform (YNP). Besides, it has established various research networks and different working groups to promote the collaboration of nephrologists with other medical disciplines (e.g. cardiology, immunology). Furthermore, a “European Renal Best Practice” (ERBP) advisory board has been established by the ERA-EDTA to draw up and publish guidelines and position statements. Another important goal of the ERA-EDTA is education: several series of CME-courses as well as the annual congress offer an attractive scientific programme to cover the need of continuous medical education for doctors working in the fields of nephrology, dialysis and transplantation. The association’s journals, NDT (Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation) and ckj (Clinical Kidney Journal), are currently the leading nephrology journals in Europe. The ERA-EDTA Registry is a large epidemiologic database comparing countries by assessing nephrology practice throughout Europe. Finally, ERA-EDTA is member of the European Kidney Health Alliance (EKHA), a consortium of renal societies that actively interacts with the European Parliament.

About ISN
Since its foundation in 1960, the International Society of Nephrology (ISN)  has pursued the worldwide advancement of education, science and patient care in nephrology (the medical sub-specialty dealing with the kidneys).The Society represents a wide international network and provides an efficient platform for timely scientific exchange, debate and dissemination between healthcare professionals around the world. It is also dedicated to addressing the disparity between the developing and developed worlds in the research, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of kidney disease. The ISN has over 9,000 professional members from more than 126 countries. In addition, ISN closely collaborates with over 80 national and regional nephrology societies around the world, representing about 20,000 professionals. The ISN continues to develop and consolidate several programs, initiatives and partnerships that will help to further deliver on its two overarching goals: reducing the incidence and impact of kidney disease worldwide, and making the ISN the leading international organization for all issues related to the science and practice of nephrology. ISN also strives to advance nephrology worldwide through the help of its Membership, Publications, Meetings, ISN Programs, as well as concerted efforts such as World Kidney Day.