The International Neuroendocrine Federation [1] was established to promote the development of research and education in basic and clinical neuroendocrinology, to disseminate scientific information in this and related fields, to arrange for publication of information aimed at the advance of the field, to facilitate the exchange of ideas among scientists of all nations and to attract young investigators to the field.
The Federation:
a) Organises, every 4 years, an International Congress of Neuroendocrinology to provide a forum for the presentation and discussion of recent research among scientists from all countries,
b) Facilitates the exchange of scientific information between scientists, by sponsoring meetings and discussions in coordination with national neuroendocrine groups and societies,
c) Facilitates exchanges between endocrinologists and neuroscientists by participating in meetings and discussions of related societies or organisations, including academic and private foundations,
d) Holds and arranges teaching courses, promotes the incorporation of new technology to neuroendocrine research, offers travel grants to encourage participation at meetings and does all else possible to attract and support investigators to the field.
The Federation consists of members of established national neuroendocrine societies and also individual members not represented already by any national society. In 2009, the IFN member societies were the:
Australasia, Canada, China, Europe, India, Korea, Latin America are represented by regional groups