The history of the ISRNM
Marianne Vennegoor, Emeritus Renal Dietitian, Chair IFKF Education Committee, Manager IFKF Inventory of Resources, 3 Cottage, Grove, Surbiton, KT6 4JH, United Kingdom (Associate council member 1996-1998)
The Beginning
Since the mid sixties it had become apparent that scientific research concerning abnormal metabolism of protein, lipid, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals in renal disease, had progressed rapidly. In addition, the nutritional management of patients with renal disease had changed as a result of these new developments. Several investigators, Joel D Kopple MD, Shaul G Massry MD and August Heidland MD, concluded that a Congress be held to bring together investigators interested in the science of renal nutrition. This decision proved to be beneficial and also timely and an organizing committee was formed to plan the 1st International Congress on Nutrition in Renal Disease, subsequently held at the High School of Music in Würzburg, Germany from 23-25 May 1977. Members of the organizing committee included August Heidland (Germany), Joel D Kopple (USA), Shaul G Massry (USA) , Reinhold Kluthe (Germany), Ebenhard Ritz (Germany) and Benjamin Burton (USA). The Congress was well attended by scientist from many countries. A total of 96 scientific papers (30 invited, 29 free communications, 37 posters) were presented contributing to a significant amount of new information and the re-evaluation of methodologies for research (1). The Social Program included a Symphonic Concert by the Orchestra of the High School of Music, Würzburg in the Imperial Hall of the Prince-Bishops’ Residence and the reception given by the Bavarian Local Government’s Secretary of State, Dr W. Vorndran.