Act of Endowment and Description of Activities
The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology is an academic society engaged in the promotion of basic research and clinical studies on the digestive organs and their diseases. It is dedicated to furthering the progress and development of gastroenterology and contributing to the welfare of humankind. With a history of over 100 years and 26,000 members, the Society is universally recognized in the medical world both here and abroad as one of the representative academic societies of Japan.
The Society was founded in 1898 by Shokichi Nagayo as the Research Group for Gastrointestinal Diseases. Four years later, it developed into an academic society, and then in 1954 was approved as a foundation, which set the ground for its institutionary management. From then until the present, in order to improve and expand its academic studies and to improve the medical treatment of digestive diseases, it has had a remarkable track record, which includes, holding academic conferences, publishing collected academic papers, establishing research groups, etc. Beginning with attracting the 3rd World Conference on Gastroenterology to Japan in 1966, it puts stress on international cooperation centering in the Asia-Pacific region to introduce Japan’s superior academic findings overseas.
Moreover, to fulfill its mission as a charitable foundation, it regularly holds open lectures all over Japan, where pioneering physicians and specialists in various fields are invited as lecturers to promote the diffusion and improvement of medical knowledge among the general public. Its contribution to national welfare has been highly evaluated in society and, in 1993, it was certified by the Education Ministry as a special foundation for the promotion of public interest, which paved the way for further expansion (now applying for its renewal every two years).
In this way, the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology has developed its socially beneficial activities as well as academic studies. And as a result, its activities have attracted attention from both within and outside of the medical world.
Main Activities of the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology
- Holding academic meetings (general assemblies, conventions, regular branch meetings) >For Members
- Publication of collected academic papers (the Japanese Journal of Gastroenterology) >For Members
- Carrying out lifelong study programs intended for physicians specializing in gastroenterology >For Members
- Promoting members’ academic activities and recognizing eminent scientific accomplishments >For Members
- Certifying qualified doctors to train capable doctors in the field of gastroenterology >For Members
- International cooperation activities (holding international symposiums and cooperating with relevant academic societies abroad) >For Members
- Cooperating with the activities of relevant academic societies within Japan (Science Council of Japan, Joint organizations among gastroenterology-related societies in Japan, etc.), leading clinical trials, etc. >For Members
- Holding open lectures aimed at the general public and issuing health information magazines