ISDE News

We are pleased to welcome our newest ISDE Members to the global esophageal community!

Your commitment to advancing education, research, and collaboration in esophageal diseases strengthens our shared mission. We’re excited to have you on board and look forward to the impact you’ll make. Welcome to ISDE!

Below, you’ll find a list of new members who have recently joined our international network, along with a world map highlighting the countries they represent.

We are pleased to announce the renaming of two prestigious ISDE awards given by the Diseases of the Esophagus Journal, reflecting our ongoing commitment to recognizing excellence in research and peer review. 

Paper of the Year Award (formerly Best Junior Faculty/Trainee Manuscript Award): This award celebrates outstanding first-author contributions to scientific research, recognizing excellence in methodology, clinical impact, and engagement. 

We are pleased to announce the 2025 Paper of the Year Award as follows: 

Winner: Dr. Sydney Pomenti

Runner-Up: Dr. Benjamin Norton 

Reviewer of the Year Award (formerly Outstanding Junior Faculty Peer Reviewer Award): Honoring exceptional dedication to peer review, this award acknowledges contributions in quality, timeliness, and volume of reviews. 

We are pleased to announce the 2025 Reviewer of the Year as follows: 

Winner: Dr. Chih-Han Kung 

Both award winners receive a USD $1,000 cash prize, complimentary registration to the ISDE World Congress, recognition in the “Esophagram” newsletter and on social media, and more! 

We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our community at the ISDE World Congress. Stay tuned announcements about the recipients of these awards. 

The 2025 Shanghai International Esophageal Disease Conference, along with the 9th  International Summit of Shanghai Chest Hospital Esophageal Surgery (ISES) and the Joint Meeting between ISDE and CSDE, was successfully held on April 19, 2025. This significant event brought together world-leading experts and scholars in the field of esophageal diseases to explore cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment advancements. 

The conference was co-chaired by Professor Jie He, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Professor Lorenzo Ferri, President of the ISDE. The opening ceremony, hosted by Professor Zhigang Li, Director of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Shanghai Chest Hospital and one of the member of our board of directors, featured heartfelt open remarks from Professors Jie He, Lorenzo Ferri, and Jinhua Wu, President of Shanghai Chest Hospital, who welcomed global experts and highlighted the conference's role in promoting academic exchange and advancing clinical research. 

The conference covered four key topics, featuring detailed discussions on essential issues such as Organ sparing approaches to esophageal cancer, T4b Esophageal Cancer & TPLE, Management of Gastro-Esophageal Junctional Carcinoma, and Robotic Esophagectomy. During the conference, prominent ISDE experts from around the world, including Professors Bas Wijnhoven and Suzanne Gisbertz from the Netherlands, Professors Ken Kato, Seichiro Abe, Hiroyuki Daiko, Tomoki Makino, and Hiroya Takeuchi from Japan, Professor Ian Wong from Hong Kong, China, Professor Yin-Kai Chao from Taiwan, China, as well as Professor Lorenzo Ferri and Professor Mark Ferguson, shared their groundbreaking research and invaluable clinical findings. 

Chinese experts such as Professor Qingsong Pang from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Professor Xuefeng Leng from Sichuan Cancer Hospital, Professor Zheng Bin from Fujian Medical University Affiliated Union Hospital, and Professor Lijie Tan from Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, presented their clinical research findings, surgical techniques, and case studies. These presentations highlighted the Chinese experience with a special eastern perspective, fostering a dialogue between east and west and providing a unique angle for international collaboration. 

Shanghai Chest Hospital, as one of the leading centers in esophageal disease research and treatment, showcased its innovative clinical practices and advanced surgical techniques. Professor Zhigang Li presented advancements in organ-preserving treatments and robotic-assisted McKeown esophagectomy, while Professor Yifeng Sun shared updates on the ToMIE clinical study for esophageal cancer surgery. Professor Chunguang Li discussed modified mediastinal tracheostomy for cervical esophageal cancer salvage surgery, and Professor Jun Liu highlighted the history and future of immunotherapy for esophageal cancer. These contributions demonstrated the hospital’s commitment to pioneering advancements that will shape the future of esophageal disease treatment. 

A key highlight of the event was the ISDE-CSDE Joint Round-table Meeting, which provided a platform for strengthening collaboration between the two societies. This rare opportunity allowed for strategic discussions aimed at increasing ISDE’s influence and visibility in China and fostering closer ties between international and Chinese esophageal disease specialists. 

Congratulations to Prof. Zhigang Li for organizing another outstanding ISES conference. Thanks to Prof. Jie He for his invaluable support and to ISES and CSDE for inviting ISDE to join in the conference. The outstanding group of international speakers and cutting-edge topics held the interest of an audience of more than 200 attendees. The ISDE leadership was privileged to meet with CSDE leadership after the conference and we made considerable progress in planning future collaborations, particularly focusing on young trainees. We look forward to seeing all of our new friends in Brisbane, Australia, in September 2025 for the ISDE World Congress. 
Mark Ferguson, Executive Director 

The International Summit of Shanghai Chest Hospital Esophageal Surgery (ISES) is a signature academic event organized by the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Shanghai Chest Hospital. It aims to advance cutting-edge technologies and research in the field of esophageal surgery and promote clinical and research collaboration within the industry. The event has been successfully held for ninth editions, with the latest one held on April 19th, showcasing significant advancements in the field. 

This summit provided an invaluable academic exchange platform for esophageal disease specialists around the world. The fruitful discussions and collaborations laid the foundation for ongoing innovation in esophageal disease treatment, ultimately improving patient care globally. 

Call For Submissions To The ISDE International Fellowship Database

The Young ISDE Committee is pleased to announce the creation of an International Fellowship Database for esophageal care, research, or surgery. We are inviting organizations that offer fellowship opportunities to join a global platform that brings together institutions and aspiring clinician-scientists from around the world. Organizations listing their fellowships will benefit in the following ways: 

• Expand Your Reach: Connect with a diverse, global community of experienced professionals and aspiring fellows passionate about advancing esophageal science and care. 

• Attract Top Talent: Share your opportunities with motivated individuals eager to grow their skills, contribute to impactful research, and become tomorrow’s leaders in the field. 

• Collaborate Globally: Build meaningful connections with like-minded institutions and fellows, fostering cross-border exchange of research ideas, clinical expertise, and innovative solutions. 

Visit the link below for more information and to submit.

Interested organizations wishing to showcase their programs to the international esophageal community are welcome to apply.

Learn More ISDE - International Fellowship Database Project

Submit Fellowships Online 

The ISDE Board of Directors is excited to announce the leaders of the 2026 ISDE World Congress in Kyoto, Japan from September 16-18, 2026. 

Manabu Muto Appointed as Congress President for the 2026 ISDE World Congress 

Professor Manabu Muto has been appointed as the Congress President for the 2026 Congress in Kyoto, Japan. This new leadership role, introduced in consultation with directors from Japan, reflects a shift from the traditional Chair position to a Congress President. 

Manabu Muto will work with a regional committee to champion the congress, provide local insights, and encourage regional participation. The ISDE looks forward to a successful and impactful congress under Professor Muto’s leadership. 

Ken Kato Appointed as Chair of the 2026 Scientific Program Committee 

We are also pleased to announce Ken Kato as the Chair of the Scientific Program Committee for the Kyoto meeting. A respected leader in esophageal diseases, Ken Kato brings extensive expertise to the role.  

As Chair, he will lead a committee to develop a multidisciplinary program that engages ISDE members and the wider esophageal community. We look forward to the innovative program that Ken Kato will develop for the 2026 World Congress. 

The Diseases of the Esophagus (DOTE) Journal is delighted to present this Special Collection on Eosinophilic Esophagitis with Evan Dellon serving as the Guest Editor. 

Over the past few decades, we have seen a rapid rise in understanding of this disease. This special collection showcases knowledge gained from the spectrum of EoE with studies on epidemiology, biomarkers, clinical presentations, treatments, and gaps to be addressed.By highlighting the latest discoveries and clinical perspectives, it aims to serve as a crucial resource for clinicians, researchers, and patients, enhancing the comprehension of this intricate and progressing condition. 

Read the EoECollection 

The International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ISDE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Jie He to the ISDE Board of Directors. A recognized leader in thoracic oncology, Professor He brings a wealth of expertise and leadership in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of esophageal and lung cancers. 

Professor He serves as President of the Cancer Hospital at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Director of the National Cancer Center of China. As an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, he strives to advance the standardization of clinical diagnosis and treatment for thoracic tumors, shaping national guidelines that have improved patient outcomes across China. 

With a career spanning thousands of thoracic tumor surgeries and pioneering research, Professor He’s contributions have earned him the First Prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award for his work on esophageal cancer treatment. His dedication to improving cancer care aligns closely with ISDE’s mission to advance the field of esophageal diseases worldwide. 

We are honored to welcome Professor He to the ISDE Board and look forward to his valuable insights and contributions. 

The ISDE Board of Directors is thrilled to announce that Utrecht, The Netherlands, has been selected as the host city for the 2027 ISDE World Congress. This prestigious event will take place from September 21-23, 2027, bringing together global leaders, innovators, and practitioners in the field of esophageal diseases. 

Nestled in the heart of The Netherlands, Utrecht is a city that blends rich history with modern innovation. Known for its iconic canals, vibrant cultural scene, and welcoming atmosphere, Utrecht is a hub of knowledge and collaboration. The city is home to one of Europe’s leading universities, a thriving life sciences industry, and an extensive network of historic and modern venues, making it the perfect backdrop for an international congress. 

The journey to selecting Utrecht as our destination began in March 2024. Several outstanding cities expressed interest, and each was evaluated on criteria such as affordability, local member support, and ease of travel for international delegates. Utrecht stood out as a city that offers not only exceptional logistical advantages but also a warm and inspiring environment for our global community. 

ISDE Executive Director, Mark Ferguson, says Utrecht is a fantastic location for our 2027 Congress.  The venue is stylish and convenient and the surrounding area is loaded with historical charm and fine dining opportunities.  Almost everything is within a short walk of the congress hotels. The city is easy to get to from anywhere in the world, and side trips are convenient by train to almost anywhere in Europe.   Make Utrecht and the ISDE Congress your destination event for 2027! 

We eagerly anticipate organizing the 23rd ISDE World Congress in this remarkable city. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable event! 

The Young ISDE Research Sharks Tank (formerly Dragons Den) will take place during the ISDE congress in Brisbane, Australia and is aimed to encourage and enable young researchers to execute their research idea. We invite all eligible members to submit a proposal today. 

After initial review of submitted research projects, the highest scoring projects will be pitched to an international panel of experts during the Sharks Tank. The experts will provide the projects with feedback that can be used to further improve the research projects. 

The winner of the Sharks Tank will receive an incentive prize to aid starting up her/his project, and support from the Young ISDE and the Research & Database Committee. 

• Call opens: February 5, 2025
• Deadline for application: March 31, 2025
• Confirmation of acceptance: April 30, 2025
• Early-bird registration deadline: June 12, 2025
• Young ISDE Sharks Tank during World Congress: September 18, 2025

Full details for the application: 

• Research projects should be multicenter, international & multidisciplinary
• Applications should adhere to the provided template
• Applicants should be an ISDE individual member
• Early to mid-career researchers* are encouraged to apply
• Selected research projects must be presented live during the Sharks Tank
• Results of the winning research idea will be published in Diseases of the Esophagus
• Winners will be invited to present their research at the next congress
• Where a study requires significant resource, it should be clarified within the application whether this has been secured.

*Any physician or surgeon less than 5 years in consultancy 

Project Criteria for consideration: 

• Feasibility
• Necessary expertise
• Impact
• Can be accomplished within funding limit

How Young ISDE will support the winning project: 

• Assisting with setting up contacts for multicenter studies
• Creating attention and awareness via international networks
• Incentive prize including:
• Registration and $2500 travel support funding for the 2026 Congress in Kyoto, Japan from September 16-18, 2026
• ISDE Membership

We are pleased to announce that the Diseases of the Esophagus (DOTE) Journal has adopted a Continuous Publication model, effective January 1, 2025. This transition, approved by the ISDE Board in consultation with the Editors-in-Chief and our publisher, Oxford University Press, marks a significant advancement in how we share cutting-edge research. 

What is Continuous Publication? 

Continuous publication is an increasingly popular journal publication model in which completed articles are published directly into an issue online. This means individual articles are published quickly in an “in progress” issue without waiting for completion of an entire issue. This approach eliminates the need for an “Advanced Access” queue and ensures that research is made available promptly. 

DOTE will continue to release six issues annually, with set closing dates for each issue. The first issue’s closing date is February 28, 2025, and subsequent issues will close at the end of every second month. 

Benefits of Continuous Publication 

For Authors: 

• Faster publication: Articles are published online as soon as they are ready, significantly reducing the time between acceptance and availability. 

• Enhanced visibility: Research can be accessed and cited earlier, ensuring timely dissemination. 

For Readers: 

• Simplified access: Articles will be available in one definitive version, housed in one location, and citable in a consistent manner. 

• Timely updates: The latest research is accessible sooner, supporting clinicians and researchers in staying up to date with advancements in the field. 

This shift to Continuous Publication reflects our commitment to innovation and excellence in scholarly communication. We are confident that it will enhance the experience for both our authors and readers, fostering greater engagement with the impactful research published in Diseases of the Esophagus.