Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. It is a leading global membership organization dedicated to improving tropical medicine and global health. Founded in the early 20th century, it promotes research, supports professionals, and disseminates knowledge to combat diseases affecting resource-limited populations. The Society operates from its headquarters in London and maintains a diverse international fellowship.

History

The Society was established in 1907, emerging from the growing field of tropical medicine pioneered by figures like Sir Patrick Manson and Sir Ronald Ross. Its creation was closely linked to the work of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and reflected the imperial health concerns of the British Empire. Early meetings were often held at the Royal Society of Medicine, and the Society's journal was launched to document advances against diseases like malaria, sleeping sickness, and yellow fever. Throughout the 20th century, it expanded its focus beyond colonial contexts to address global health challenges, supporting work by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Wellcome Trust.

Governance and membership

The Society is governed by a Council, led by a President, currently Professor David Lalloo of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Governance also involves Honorary Officers, including a Treasurer and Secretary, elected from the fellowship. Membership is categorized into Fellows, Members, and Student Members, encompassing clinicians, researchers, and policymakers from over 100 countries. Notable past presidents include Sir Philip Manson-Bahr and Sir Ian McGregor. The Society's operations are supported by a secretariat based in London, and it maintains close ties with institutions like the Royal College of Physicians and the University of Oxford.

Activities and publications

A core activity is the publication of the peer-reviewed Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, a leading journal in the field since 1907. The Society organizes an annual conference, often held in locations such as Liverpool or London, alongside regional meetings and workshops. It runs policy advocacy initiatives and grant programs to fund early-career researchers working on neglected tropical diseases, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. Educational activities include collaborations with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and support for training programs in nations like Ghana and Malawi.

Awards and lectures

The Society administers several prestigious awards. The highest honor is the Manson Medal, awarded triennially for outstanding contributions to tropical medicine; past recipients include Professor David A. Warrell and Professor Janet Hemingway. Other significant awards include the Chalmers Medal for young researchers and the Sir Rickard Christophers Medal for parasitology. Named lectures form a key part of its calendar, such as the Manson Lecture and the Mackenzie Davidson Lecture, often delivered during events at the Royal Army Medical College or the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Affiliated organizations

The Society maintains formal and informal links with numerous global health bodies. It is a founding member of the Federation of European Societies for Tropical Medicine and International Health. Key affiliated institutions include the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London. It also collaborates with international entities like the World Health Organization, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and national societies in countries such as Australia, India, and South Africa.

Category:Medical and health organizations based in the United Kingdom Category:Organizations established in 1907 Category:Tropical medicine