Welcome to the website of the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP). The IAP is a unique international organization devoted to basic and clinical understanding of pancreatic functions and diseases. It is an assembly of basic scientists and clinical investigators from 32 countries (status 2008) dedicated to explore pancreatic biology in order to improve treatment outcomes in a variety of pancreatic disorders. Following the very successful term of Markus Lerch, I am serving as a president of the IAP from 2009 through 2010. The former secretary, Paul Lankisch, talented and efficient, did a superb job during his term.

The 2008 IAP meeting (President Lerch) was held in Lodz, Poland, from June 26 to 28, 2008, in conjunction with the European Pancreas Club (President Ewa Malecka-Panas). The meeting was a great success and all of us enjoyed both the scientific and social programs.

The next IAP meeting will be held in Fukuoka, Japan, from July 11 to13, 2010. Please mark these dates on your calendar. The scientific program will include two consensus symposia, one on the revision of the IAP 2006 guidelines for the management of IPMN and MCN of the pancreas, and another for final approval of the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP).

I hope that you will enjoy Japanese hospitality and culture. During the meeting period, a traditional summer festival with a 768-year-long history will be in progress in the old parts of Fukuoka city, Hakata. In the afternoon of the last day of the meeting, the registrants can enjoy the spectacle of the floats being carried through the streets. If you have time to stay a little longer, please join the famous climax of the festival in the very early morning of July 15: Starting at 04:59 am at the big shrine KUSHIDA in the midst of Hakata, local teams carry the floats and race at full speed along a 5-km course in an exhausting competition to be the fastest.
The 2010 IAP/JPS meeting promises to be exciting and fun! I am very much honored to be the President of the IAP and welcome all of you to the meeting in Fukuoka. Our home page for registration will be ready soon. I am looking forward to seeing you in Fukuoka in 2010.