Welcome Address from WFSBP President

It is with great honor and pleasure that we welcome you to Kobe for the Asia Pacific Regional Congress of Biological Psychiatry 2018.
The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) is committed to development of clinical service, research, and education about psychiatric disorders along with member societies of more than 62 countries. Considering the fact that Asia Pacific Region is composing about one third of our member societies, it is the high priority of WFSBP to stimulate and promote biological psychiatry in this area, and we have decided to organize WFSBP Asia Pacific Regional Congress in September 2018. We are more than delighted to hold this Congress in conjunction with annual meeting of the Japanese Society of Biological Psychiatry and the Japanese Society of Neurochemistry at the same place at the same time.

In the current point of the 21st century, biological, psychological, and social factors are changing rapidly, and their interaction provides us with opportunities to take the profession forward for the better service to our patients. Especially, biological psychiatry is expected to take a leading role to understand more about brain changes and their impact on an individual‘s functioning so that we can innovate and develop new intervention to various psychiatric disorders. We hope that WFSBP Asia Pacific Regional Congress of Biological Psychiatry would be the ideal platform to exchange and to promote our innovative knowledge in this field.

The principle objectives of WFSBP are 1) to foster and encourage scientific research and advancement in the field of biological psychiatry, 2) to improve the quality of training spanning all the biological psychiatry sciences, 3) to promote education and achieve the highest level of knowledge and understanding within the field, 4) to provide information and guidance to all institutions, societies or individuals with an interest in biological psychiatry, and 5) to establish, build, and maintain solid collaboration with international and national organizations related to biological psychiatry.

I am sure WFSBP Asia Pacific Regional Congress of Biological Psychiatry is an exceptional opportunity for you to gain new insights for your professional service, for new research initiatives, and for education about biological psychiatry.

Masatoshi Takeda, M.D., Ph.D.
WFSBP President

Welcome Address from Congress President

We are delighted to welcome you to Kobe for the WFSBP Asia Pacific Regional Congress of Biological Psychiatry from September 7 to 9, 2018 at the Kobe International Conference Center. The Regional Congress of the WFSBP was held in Toyama, Japan 10 years ago in 2008, and the 11th WFSBP World Congress was held in Kyoto 6 years ago in 2013. This is the third time that the two WFSBP Congresses return to Japan.

Two annual meetings of the Japanese Society of Biological Psychiatry (JSBP) and the Japanese Society of Neurochemistry (JSN) will accompany the WFSBP Asia Pacific Regional Congress. From September 6 to 8, the joint meeting of the JSBP and the JSN will take place at the Kobe International Conference Center. Our colleagues and members of the JSBP and the JSN are welcome to attend the Regional Congress of the WFSBP.

Kobe is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and the Regional Congress of the WFSBP will showcase the best cutting edge research in biological psychiatry. With a conference theme of “Science of Mind – Innovation and Promotion,” the upcoming World Congress represents an opportunity for psychiatrists and researchers in the region to share their research with biological psychiatrists from across the globe.

Kobe City, known for its port, which is the largest in the country, and its exotic atmosphere, is one of Japan's most pleasant cities for both residents and visitors, with a laid-back cosmopolitan feel. Kobe's dramatic location, a narrow strip of land between mountains and sea, with its great food and lively nightlife make the city an ideal place to visit if you are near Kyoto or Osaka. The Kobe International Conference Center is part of the techno-park in Kobe Port Island, where universities and research institutes are located.

So please visit Kobe for what we promise will be an unforgettable experience. We encourage you to bring your families who will also have a wonderful time in the city. We look forward to seeing you all in September 2018!

Ichiro Sora, M.D., Ph.D.
Congress President