The International Epidemiological Association (IEA) [2] is a worldwide association with more than 2000 members in over 100 different countries, who follow the aims of the Association to facilitate communication amongst those engaged in research and teaching of epidemiology throughout the world, and to encourage its use in all fields of health including social, community and preventative medicine. These aims are achieved by holding scientific meetings and seminars, by publication of journals, reports, translations of books, by contact amongst members and by other activities consistent with these aims. Members are accepted without regard to race, religion, sex, political affiliation or country of origin.
The Association publishes its own Journal, the International Journal of Epidemiology (IJE) [3], which is published bi-monthly, a complimentary copy of which is included in the membership dues. It also sponsors a number of highly reputable publications such as A Dictionary of Epidemiology, and The Development of Modern Epidemiology [4]. In addition, the Association organizes The World Congress of Epidemiology (WCE) [5] which is held triennially in different parts of the world. The 19th WCE [6] was held in Edinburgh, Scotland, August 2011, while the 20th WCE will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, August 2014 [7]. Regional Scientific Meetings are also held in the IEA regions during three-year periods between WCEs.
The IEA is in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) and is run by a Council including Executive and Regional Councilors for its 7 regions in addition to the Ex-officio members.
The objectives of the IEA are to:
These objectives are achieved through networking professionals working in the field of epidemiology through different means, including its website: www.IEAweb.org [8]; holding national, regional and international scientific meetings and congresses, as well as individual contacts between professional members. These have guided IEA's activities over the years.