Dear Colleagues,
It is summer and 2026 seems to have just started! In 2025, we had a lovely joint session with ESP Education exploring ethics and culture within our global pathology community. I have heard pathology referred to as just a matter of tissue embedded into paraffin wax. But to us in the laboratory, it is a living creature and we kind of see it differently. So in Vienna in 2025, we took a moment to reflect on factors shaping ethics and professionalism in the laboratory. We also touched upon the impact of the digital and AI.
To paraphrase Bernard Russell (in his treatise on Education in 1926), we hope to give our community of pathologists a world where knowledge is completely free. Where we imbue the spirit of adventure and a voyage of discovery. He opined that knowledge exists but lack of love prevented it from being applied, and that if instruction is wisely given, it will be a joy rather than a task. In our continued quest for this joyful guidance (!), we meet with our ESP colleagues again in September in Stockholm. This time we look at the journey of the pathologist – The global pathologist: Adventures and trials from scholarship to mentorship. Do come and join us on the morning of 13 September we will be hearing from several inspiring young pathologists on their journey. Joe Yeong, with roots from Southeast Asia will tell us about his path round adversities and the mentorship that changed his life. We also have Antonia Syrnioti from Greece on the surprise she had as an intern. From Frederica Pezzuto of Italy, we will hear how she prepares to teach for tomorrow. We also will hear a view from a more senior position – from Eyas Hattab, USA, who will enlighten us on the alternate training pathways.
In October in Fukuoka, we will also be addressing issues in training from commonality of diagnostic language to the training of future specialists and the impact that making such decisions can have on young pathologists. Many of us I am sure have debated long about making decisions that may result in disfigurement or amputations. We need to train and support the people who guide the hands of the surgeons and oncologists.
So do come along – and whether it be in Stockholm or Fukuoka – do drop by – have a coffee or come and share your thoughts with us and share your vision of how pathology and pathology education should advance. We hope to imbue passion into our quest for knowledge and ensure that honesty and humility are the guides.
IAP2026: Education Session 1
Sunday, October 11, 2026 | 8:00–10:00 AM
• Andrew Nicholson (British Division IAP)
The Value of Pathology in the Development of Disease Classification
• Jane Dahlstrom (Australasian Division IAP)
Training Future Pathology Specialists: Barriers and Enablers of Equitable Access to Learning, Training, and Assessment in Pathology
• Joseph Rabban (USCAP)
Continuing Education for the Global Pathology Community: Exploring a One-Size-Fits-All Approach Versus a Resource-Stratified Approach to Defining Core Content
• Maysa Al-Hussaini (Arab Division IAP)
Bridging the Gap in Molecular Diagnostics in LMICs
IAP2026: Education Session 2
Sunday, October 11, 2026 | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
• Caterina Eloy (ESP)
Education for the Digital Transformation and Safe, Sustainable Use of Computational Pathology
• Xavier Matias-Guiu (ESP)
Educating for a Leadership Role in Molecular Pathology Testing and Development
• Lai-Meng Looi (Malaysian Division IAP)
Education Reforms in the Training of Anatomical Pathologists in Malaysia
• Thiyaphat Laohawetanit (Thai Division IAP)
Education in Pathology’s PTSD: Dealing with the Stress of Making a Diagnosis
Angela Chong
Education Committee Chair, International Academy of Pathology
Call For Nominations
As we look towards our biennial Congress in Fukuoka this October, we have announced the call for President-Elect and Vice President nominations.
All Vice Presidents who are eligible for another term have been contacted and asked if they wish to remain on, or rotate off. All who are ineligible for another term have been notified and asked to suggest someone to step into their role. Divisions must provide a letter of support for any Vice Presidential nominees.
Divisions, please submit your nominations!
Deadline: July 31st, 2026
IAP2026 Congress
October 8th – 13th, 2026
We look with great anticipation to IAP2026, hosted by the Japanese Division. The theme for this year’s congress is „Vision For the Future.” A program, travel details, and other resources can be found on the IAP2026 website. Registration is now open – early bird rates close on July 6th!
Dates: October 8th – 13th, 2026
Host City: Fukuoka, Japan
Venue: Fukuoka International Congress Center; Fukuoka Sunpalace
Beware of Phishing!
Recently, members have been encountering phishing emails circulated under the name of Dr. Toyonori Tsuzuki, President of the JDIAP, offering a special invitation for discounted flights of hotels. These are fraudulent– please report and delete! There has been no breach or leakage of information; these are unfortunately common attempts that take place around large events or groups like our Congress.
Reminder – 2026 Membership Dues
2026 IAP membership dues have been distributed to all divisions.
To ensure your members receive member pricing for the 2026 IAP Congress, divisions must be in good standing, with all dues paid and membership status current. To be eligible to vote in the upcoming International Council Meeting, divisions must be in good financial standing.
We encourage division leadership to review their status and complete any outstanding requirements as soon as possible to avoid delays in Congress registration benefits. If you have not received your 2026 dues invoice, please ensure you have submitted your division information (below) as your first step.
Division Website Support
The IAP is pleased to offer website development services to support IAP Divisions and Assemblies in strengthening their digital presence, including the creation of streamlined, professional web pages for division or assembly websites and division or assembly-hosted meetings.
- Division or Assembly-Hosted Meeting Webpages
- Division or Assembly Website Development – Basic or Custom
2032 Congress – Call For Bids
The International Academy of Pathology is pleased to invite interested Divisions to submit bids to host the 2032 IAP Congress. Hosting an IAP Congress is a unique opportunity to showcase your region, strengthen collaboration within the global pathology community, and contribute to the advancement of education and scientific exchange. Divisions in good standing with the capacity and enthusiasm to host a world‑class meeting are encouraged to express their interest. Detailed bid guidelines and timelines are available on the website, and the IAP leadership looks forward to working closely with prospective hosts to deliver a memorable and impactful Congress.
Deadline to apply: July 31, 2026