Editorial: Schizophrenia International Research Society

Abstract

We are pleased to be able to introduce the readers of Schizophrenia Bulletin to the Schizophrenia International Research Society. Schizophrenia remains one of the most devastating and challenging to treat illnesses in all of medicine. Despite enormous interdisciplinary research efforts, progress in understanding the etiology and pathophysiology of schizophrenia seems, at times, painfully slow. In addition, there is considerable debate as to the degree of progress that has been made in the pharmacologic treatment of this disorder. A welcome international expansion of research, particularly clinical trials, as well as multicenter genetic and brain imaging studies have accelerated in recent years. As a result, more patients and more investigators are working together all over the world to advance schizophrenia research. The explosion in genetic studies has also highlighted the importance of accessing well-characterized patients in different ethnic groups and environmental circumstances. The expansion of global research efforts coupled with advances in information technology and the growth of the internet has also made possible the rapid and wide-scale dissemination of information in ways never dreamed possible. With extraordinary access to information anywhere in the world also comes the challenge of identifying and facilitating the dissemination of the most valid and significant research findings in such a way as to have the optimum impact in fostering further research and improving the care and lives of affected individuals and their families. All these factors contribute to the desirability of having an international society focusing on schizophrenia research. The mission of the Society is to be a worldwide organization aimed at bringing together researchers in schizophrenia and related disorders in order to exchange the latest advances in research and facilitate the application of these findings to clinical practice facilitate international communication and collaboration in research promote educational programs to effectively disseminate new research findings related to schizophrenia to the scientific and clinical communities as well as the lay public encourage the publication of research increase the public understanding of the personal, familial, and societal impact of schizophrenia support increased funding for schizophrenia research around the world promote the highest scientific and ethical standards in research and its application in clinical psychiatric practice. The Society will hold its first conference in Venice, Italy, June 21–25, 2008. This meeting will be held in Europe in alternate years to the International Congress on Schizophrenia Research meeting. A large portion of the scientific program will focus on 4 major topic areas: drug development (basic and clinical), genetics, brain imaging, and animal models. The meeting format will include debates, panel discussions, and audience participation. Our goal is to provide greater opportunity for intensive discussion of methodologic issues than is often the case at major scientific meetings. There will also be plenary lectures, posters, and individual presentations. The Society also plans to hold regional meetings around the world, either independently or in conjunction with other organizations. A major goal is to enhance research training and research support on global level and to facilitate the dissemination of new knowledge to all regions of the world. We would welcome your membership and participation in the Society's activities. More information on the Society and the Venice meeting is available at http://www.schizophreniasirs.org and http://www.schizophreniaconference.org. More information can be obtained by contacting the secretariat of the Society at moc.loa@cosainerhpozihcs.