The International Society of Neuropathology is an umbrella organisation that encompasses national and regional societies of neuropathology throughout the world. Its origins date from the founding of the International Committee on Neuropathology, in 1950. In May 1967 the Committee was reconstituted as a non-profit-making scientific organisation known as the International Society of Neuropathology (ISN).

These are to promote the formation of, and co-operation between, national and regional societies of neuropathology; to foster links with other international organisations in the neurological sciences; to initiate and facilitate international congresses, meetings, colloquia, symposia and research projects in the field of neuropathology; to encourage the exchange of information and the publication of matters relevant to the science of neuropathology in its official journal, Brain Pathology, and in other publications; and to encouraging the visits between countries of people engaged in neuropathology, particularly those undergoing training.

Membership is open to all members of national or regional societies of neuropathology as well as to individuals. The annual membership fee is 15 Swiss Francs. For BNS members, the fee is covered by block payments made by the BNS.

Every four years the ISN, together with a member society, hosts an International Congress of Neuropathology. The BNS last hosted the international meeting in 2000. The Society provides travel grants to help younger neuropathologists and trainees attend the Congress and also provides travel grants in support of other international neuropathology meetings. To date these activities have all been supported by the membership fees but in the future it is hoped that the work of the ISN can be extended through income generated by its journal and the ISN book series.

The journal of the ISN, Brain Pathology, has established a strong global reputation for its publication of cutting-edge original research and symposia in neuropathology and related disciplines, including molecular genetics, immunology and virology. It is very well cited and ranks highly amongst other journals of pathology and neuroscience. Brain Pathology also has a popular 'Case of the Month' forum for presenting diagnostically challenging cases that are of particular clinical interest, have unusual manifestations or involve rare diseases. Subscription to the journal is not included in the ISN membership fee but is held at a very reasonable level (http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/subs.asp?ref=1015-6305&site=1).

The ISN also produces a highly regarded series of books on the pathology and genetics of diseases of the nervous system, each issue covering a different field of neurological disease. These books, written by international experts, are designed to provide concise up-to-date information in a portable, inexpensive format that is ideal for day-to-day diagnostic practice.

For further information about the ISN contact the Secretary General ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

You can visit the ISN website for details of its activities.