The history of the ISRNM

The 14th International Congress of the Society was held at the Palais de Pharo in Marseilles, France from 11-15 June 2008. The Congress President , Noel Cano and his local and scientific committees organised an outstanding scientific and social programme. The Honorary President was Yvon Bertrand. Two parallel workshops were held: the 3rd Workshop on “Muscle Protein Metabolism in Renal Disease” and the “ISRNM Educational Session”. Both sessions were as at previous congresses, very well attended with 52 and 150 delegates respectively attending both workshops. The Congress itself attracted over 640 delegates, from 44 countries and included 190 dietitians, an all time record. The 3 day scientific programme, included 9 Symposia led by Industry and a joint meeting with the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN). A total of 261 invited, oral communication and posters presentations were delivered, included 64 from the dietitians.

Council Election Results were as follows: 10th President of the Society: Alp Ikizler (USA), President Elect: Harold Franch (USA), Immediate Past President Gianfranco Guarnieri (Italy), Secretary/Treasurer: Christoph Wanner (Germany) and new council members: Carla Avesani (Brazil), Noel Cano (France), Jonathan Himmelfarb (USA), Pieter Ter Wee (The Netherlands).

The Welcome Reception was held at the Palais de Pharo, overlooking the picturesque old harbour and town of Marseilles. The Conference Dinner was held at the Vignoble Bodin Restaurant in Cassis, well known for its “Haute Cuisine” after a memorable bus trip along the Corniche and the Mediterranean Sea. All delegates were invited to join the post congress tour that included a guided tour of the Saint Victor Abbey and Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica. Lunch was provided on a 19th century old boat converted into restaurant “La Nautique”, anchored in the old harbour of Marseilles.