International Society of Radiology

International Society of Radiology
Name	International Society of Radiology
Founded	0 1953
Location	Vienna, Austria
Key people	John Damilakis (President), Luis Donoso (Secretary General)
Focus	Radiology, Medical imaging
Website	https://www.isradiology.org/

International Society of Radiology. The International Society of Radiology is a global federation of national radiological societies dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of radiology and medical imaging. It serves as the principal international forum for collaboration, promoting education, research, and the highest standards of patient care worldwide. The society fosters cooperation among radiologists from all continents and works closely with major global health bodies.

History

The society traces its origins to the first International Congress of Radiology held in London in 1925, which established a tradition of global scientific exchange. The modern organization was formally constituted in 1953 during a congress in Copenhagen, Denmark, to provide a permanent structure for these international meetings. Key historical milestones include its early collaboration with the International Commission on Radiological Protection and its role in supporting the development of seminal imaging technologies like computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Over the decades, it has evolved to address global challenges in radiation protection and imaging access.

Mission and objectives

Its core mission is to improve patient care worldwide by advancing the field of radiology through international cooperation. Primary objectives include promoting the highest ethical and professional standards in the practice of diagnostic radiology and radiation oncology. The society is committed to facilitating global education, supporting research innovation, and advocating for equitable access to imaging technology. A central focus is its dedication to the principles of radiation safety as outlined by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the World Health Organization.

Governance and structure

The society is governed by an Executive Committee led by a President, currently John Damilakis, and a Secretary General, Luis Donoso. The supreme legislative body is the General Assembly, composed of delegates from its member national societies. Day-to-day operations are managed by a central office located in Vienna. Strategic direction and policy are developed by various standing committees, including those focused on education, research, and ethics. This structure ensures representation from all its regional committees across the globe.

Major activities and programs

Its flagship activity is organizing the biennial International Congress of Radiology, a major scientific meeting attracting thousands of delegates. The society runs the influential World Radiology Day campaign to raise public awareness about the value of medical imaging. It actively develops and disseminates global guidelines on topics like contrast media safety and imaging referral guidelines. Through partnerships with organizations like the World Health Organization, it conducts outreach programs to improve imaging capacity in developing countries and supports major initiatives like the Global Breast Cancer Initiative.

Member societies and regional committees

Membership consists of over 70 national radiological societies from every inhabited continent, including the Radiological Society of North America, the European Society of Radiology, and the Asian Oceanian Society of Radiology. The world is divided into four regional committees: the European Society of Radiology, the Interamerican College of Radiology, the Asian Oceanian Society of Radiology, and the African Society of Radiology. These regional bodies, such as the Colegio Interamericano de Radiología, organize their own congresses and educational activities, ensuring localized engagement and representation within the global federation.

Publications and resources

The society's official journal is Insights into Imaging, an open-access publication developed in partnership with the European Society of Radiology. It regularly publishes consensus statements and white papers on critical issues in global radiology practice. A key resource is the online ISR Academy, which provides educational materials and webinars for radiologists worldwide. The society also maintains a comprehensive digital library of guidelines and promotes resources from allied organizations like the American College of Radiology and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.

Category:Medical and health organizations Category:Radiology organizations Category:International professional associations Category:Organizations based in Vienna Category:Organizations established in 1953