The 126th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (JORL-HNS 2025) was held at Pacifico Yokohama in May. The event brought experts together from across Japan and further afield. Professor Shigeharu Fujieda from University of Fukui provided invaluable leadership, facilitating cutting-edge discussions and the exchange of research findings at the conference.
Opening Remarks from Prof Shigeharu Fujieda
JORL-HNS 2025 concluded with more than 5000 registered participants. This year marked a notable shift in the event's international reach, with general presentations from overseas being widely accepted for the first time. The event saw nearly 150 international participants present in symposiums and free paper sessions, contributing to the global appeal. The conference boasted an impressive international presence, providing an invaluable networking opportunity, particularly for younger researchers – a highly positive development.
At this conference, I had the privilege of chairing the panel discussion titled ‘Deep Insights into Basic Otorhinolaryngology Research.’ In the field of otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery, research encompasses both foundational studies, which improve experimental methods and enable advanced techniques, and clinical studies aimed at addressing critical disease conditions. This includes significant research on the following: genetic hearing loss, which has a considerable impact on quality of life; pathology and new treatment method related to eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps; carcinogenesis mechanism of Epstein-Barr virus; omics analysis of head and neck cancer.
Chairs and panelists who participated in the Panel Discussion:
‘Deep Insights into Basic Otorhinolaryngology Research’.
For this symposium, we have curated a program of presentations on the latest advancements in both basic and clinical research. In order to properly understand advancements in medicine and healthcare, it is essential to consider both basic researches rooted in the natural sciences, which can be translated into clinical applications, and clinical research itself. From the discussions in this symposium, I anticipate collaboration among the foundational threads of various fields, which will drive progress in the realm of otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery. This interconnected approach has the potential to pave the way for innovative developments in the future.
Outstanding presenters aged 45 and under, who delivered their free papers in English,
were awarded for their exceptional contributions.
At JORL-HNS 2025, 70 travel grants were awarded to overseas applicants under the age of 40 who submitted abstracts. During the course of the conference, a reception was held with the aim of encouraging interactions between international participants and young Japanese researchers and doctors, with a view to fostering new networks and collaborations. Furthermore, JORL-HNS has been actively promoting the presentation of free papers in English since last year. This year, six outstanding presenters were recognised and awarded for their exceptional contributions.
Please note that JORL-HNS 2026 will take place in Sendai from May 20 to 23 next year. We warmly welcome submissions for free papers from overseas, and travel support (accommodation in Sendai and registration fee) will also be available for eligible participants.
For more information, please visit the conference homepage:
https://www.congre.co.jp/jibika127/en/
