It is a great honor to have been appointed as the President of the Japanese Society of Cutaneous Immunology and Allergy (JSCIA). Reflecting on the long history of our society and its significant contributions to dermatology and the field of allergies, I am keenly aware of the weight of this responsibility.
Our society has evolved from the Antigen Research Association and the Chubu Patch Test Study Group, and in 2017, it merged with the Vascular and Collagen Diseases Research Group, resulting in the establishment of JSCIA. We are deeply committed to a wide range of areas, from basic research on immune and allergic reactions involving the skin to various conditions such as contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, drug eruptions, occupational skin diseases, food allergies, and collagen diseases.
In recent years, both clinical practice and research in cutaneous immunology and allergies have advanced rapidly. Allergies are deeply intertwined with daily life, including clothing, food, and shelter, and their pathologies and emerging allergens continue to evolve with changes in the times and lifestyles. For conditions such as atopic dermatitis, urticaria, collagen diseases, and rare immune-allergic diseases, significant progress has been made in understanding the pathologies and developing new treatments based on skin manifestations. Our society will continue to disseminate the latest allergy knowledge, reflecting both historical context and contemporary realities, to advance the field of cutaneous immunology and allergy, enhance the quality of related medical care, and contribute to society. We are also committed to maintaining our role as a platform for healthcare professionals and researchers involved in cutaneous immunology and allergy to learn the latest and most appropriate medical practices and technologies.
We will further energize the various initiatives our society has undertaken, including educational activities such as hands-on seminars on skin tests and academic conference sessions for young professionals and those aspiring to become experts in cutaneous immunology and allergy. In addition, our specialized committees for contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria/mast cells, drug eruptions, food allergies, occupational allergies, collagen diseases/rheumatology, and basic research will continue to engage in diverse activities. We will also promote interdisciplinary collaboration through joint research across facilities and fields, as well as through the newly established Team Medicine Review Committee, which aims to improve the quality of medical care and work practices. Through these efforts, we will contribute to the advancement of cutaneous immunology and allergy.
Furthermore, our society is focused on globalization and has been publishing the open-access English-language journal, Journal of Cutaneous Immunology and Allergy (JCIA), through Frontiers Publishing Partnerships. We are pleased to announce that the journal has now been assigned an impact factor, marking a significant new step forward. We are deeply grateful for the understanding and cooperation of our members, and we sincerely hope for your continued support as we further enrich and develop the journal.