Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Both the International Association for the Study of Traditional Asian Medicine (IASTAM) and the Asian Society for the History of Medicine (ASHM) are world’s foremost community devoted to advancing the study of the Asian medicines. Despite a four-year postponement of the Double Tenth Conference due to the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, this once-in-a-century upheaval has allowed humanity to witness the remarkable prowess of traditional medicine in addressing emerging infectious diseases. Simultaneously, it has prompted a reevaluation of the worth and role of traditional medicine in the realm of disease treatment and healthcare. Therefore, convening the Double Tenth Conference in 2024 emerges as an exceptionally fitting occasion to amass experiences and share insights from diverse corners of the world.
For the National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine (NRICM) and the Chinese Medical Advancement Foundation (CMAF), it is indeed a privilege and an uncommon opportunity to orchestrate the Double Tenth Conference. This event not only provides a unique perspective for appraising the present state of Asian medicinal practices, but also serves as a forum to scrutinize the worldwide dissemination of medical knowledge, applications, and resources. Furthermore, it fosters a platform for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research interchange, encouraging discussions on crossroads and challenges. This endeavor seeks to cultivate collaborative networks, foster information exchange, and propel the advancement of the realm of Asian medicines, leading to meaningful transformations.
We are enthusiastic about the prospect of welcoming you to Taiwan, renowned for its forefront technology, picturesque natural landscapes, and rich cultural tapestry. Collaborating with the Committee and General Secretariat, we are wholeheartedly dedicated to ensuring that the conference is both fruitful and enjoyable. We extend this invitation to your cherished companions as well, as we have curated captivating excursions for them to revel in the splendid natural beauty and authentic cultural heritage of Taiwan. Our ultimate objective is to guarantee an immersive, inspiring, and unforgettable conference experience for every participant.
Looking forward to your attendance at this extraordinary event, as your involvement plays a crucial role in the achievement of our common objective. Let's join hands to inspire, innovate, and revolutionize the field of Asian medicines!
Sincerely,
Prof. Yi-Chang Su
Chairman of the Joint Conference of IASTAM and ASHM
Welcome Message from the President of IASTAM
Dear Colleagues, dear Friends,
The International Association for the Study of Traditional Asian Medicine (IASTAM) as the world’s foremost community of scholars, physicians and practitioners is devoted to understanding the history and contemporary practice of Asian medicines in its numerous forms and colours. IASTAM is aimed at overcoming boundaries, whether these be of geography or conceptual framing. Our members include academics and clinicians, pharmacologists and epidemiologists, and all those that care about the past, present, and future of Asian medicines. We encourage critical engagement with Asian medicines as “living traditions” even as we seek to promote their enduring relevance to the contemporary world. We are independent of commercial, professional, and political interests and therefore are able to provide a space for the expression of different views.
For 45 years by now we are known for putting on the most exciting Conferences, e.g. our ICTAM (International Congress of Traditional Asian Medicine) took place in Australia, Indonesia, India, Japan, USA, Bhutan, Korea and last not least twice in Germany.
The upcoming ICTAM in Taipei is a Joint Conference of IASTAM and ASHM (Asian Society for the History of Medicine). This is a great honour and good match. It presents an opportunity to take stock of the current state of Asian medicines from a different vantage point, to examine the global flows of medical knowledge, practice and materials, and to provide space for inter- und transdisciplinary research-exchange, to discussing intersections and problems, develop networks of collaboration, exchange and consider how to move forward. It is the encounter of Asian medicines with the wide range of (so called) traditional or alternative medicines in the Western hemisphere, and also the encounter between practitioners of biomedicine and of Asian medicines. The Joint Conference will gather studies from clinical trial specialists, anthropologists, historians and clinicians, economists and political scientists, conservationists, botanists, translators and more.
I cannot thank our Taipei hosts enough for the wonderful work they are doing in preparation of the Joint Conference ICTAM/ASHM.
Looking forward to meeting with all of You, dear colleagues, and with all of You from all over the world, to listen to each other and to work on a medicine that can bring health and well-being to all!
Sincerely,
Prof. Angelika Messner
President of The International Association for the Study of Traditional Asian Medicine (IASTAM)
