The International Society for Respiratory Viruses (isirv) is a UK-registered nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the prevention, detection, treatment, and control of influenza and other respiratory virus diseases. It operates as an independent, international scientific professional society with a global remit focused on respiratory virus research and public health.

History and Mission

Founded in 2005, isirv originated to fulfill the need for a worldwide organization concentrating on influenza and respiratory virus diseases, and to continue the legacy of the growing Options for the Control of Influenza conferences. These conferences are among the largest international gatherings devoted to influenza prevention, control, and treatment, including pandemic preparedness and seasonal flu management.

The ongoing epidemiological challenges posed by outbreaks such as the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, avian influenza strains (H7N9 and H5N1), and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) underscore the vital necessity for global collaboration and research in this field.

The society's mission, as embedded in its statutory documents, is to promote scientific communication, clinical and laboratory research, and international cooperation to enhance early detection and containment of respiratory virus outbreaks.

Activities

isirv organizes scientific meetings and conferences to facilitate the exchange of information among researchers and clinicians interested in respiratory viruses. It also promotes scientific and clinical training and disseminates information regarding the impact of respiratory viral diseases both locally and globally. A key component of its dissemination efforts is its publication of scientific information, notably through the journal Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses.

The society is chiefly responsible for organizing the Options for the Control of Influenza conferences, which are recognized as leading international forums dedicated solely to influenza research and disease control.

Registration and Recognition

The International Society for Respiratory Viruses is registered in the United Kingdom as a charity (Charity Number 1118829) and a company (Company Number 6021083). Its charitable activities and reporting are maintained in compliance with UK regulatory standards.

This organization plays a critical role in fostering scientific collaboration and advancing public health responses to respiratory viral diseases on a global scale.

[1] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1118829&subid=0 [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4028948/contact-information [3] https://isirv.org/site/index.php/about-isirv-overview [4] https://isirv.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=115&Itemid=101 [5] https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/committed-grants/2019/02/opp1210494