Introduction to the “GRG Scholars Invited Reviews”

Abstract

The editors of Digestive Diseases and Sciences (DDS) and the leadership of the Gastroenterology Research Group (GRG) wish to welcome the readership of our journal to a new section entitled “GRG Scholars Invited Reviews.” In 1955, the GRG was founded by Drs. Joseph B. Kirsner, Basil I. Hirschowitz, and E. Clinton Texter in order to provide a forum for young investigators to discuss basic research problems in gastroenterology, and to focus on exchanging information and generating new ideas. In the 58 years since its inception, the GRG has maintained these goals as its primary mission. Today’s GRG promotes GI research through its support of the annual GRG Spring Symposium held during Digestive Disease Week, which features forward-looking basic research on gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Through the sponsorship of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the GRG Young Investigator awards are presented to outstanding young investigators involved in clinical and basic science GI research. The goal for the new section of DDS is to provide our readership with up-to-date reviews on research topics of special interest to all GI investigators, but in particular to young investigators engaged in basic science investigation. The invited reviews will be authored by the GRG Spring Symposium invited speakers and by our AGA/GRG young investigator awardees, who will provide scholarly and current summaries of their fields of research. To kick off this new section, we have invited Jason R. Spence, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Michigan, who will deliver one of our 2013 GRG Spring Symposium lectures entitled “Directed Differentiation of Human iPS Cells into Intestine.” This excellent review addresses the latest science in the field of stem cell engineering. To promote the GRG’s mission of fostering productive interactions between senior and young investigators, we are encouraging joint submission of up–to-date and learned research reviews. We are delighted that Dr. Spence has taken us up on that offer by co-authoring his review with his research fellow, Stacey R. Finkbeiner, PhD. We look forward to publishing more learned reviews authored by the GRG symposium speakers and young investigators, and hope that you, the reader, will benefit from their outstanding content.