News from Jans

Sachiyo Murashima, Ph.D, R.N. I would like to extend my warmest greetings to all our members and international colleagues as I begin my first year as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Japan Academy of Nursing Science (JANS). At our annual meeting in December 2001 I together with the thirteen members of the Board of Directors and two auditors were approved unanimously for three-year terms of office. JANS, founded in 1981, is now in its 22 year. Its membership has been increasing steadily, and as of September 30, 2001 there are 3,363 members. Two events during the last year helped us acknowledge the important role of nursing science. In September the 4 International Nursing Research Conference was held in Mie Prefecture with Sumiko Maehara, Dean and Professor, Mie Prefectural College of Nursing as chairperson. Its theme was "A Holistic Approach: A Better Quality of Life for All-In Search of Core Principles for Nursing in the 21 Century." More than five hundred (521) participants from 11 countries attended the conference and 222 research projects were presented. In December the 21 Annual Conference of JANS chaired by Noriko Katada, Professor, Hyogo Prefectural College of Nursing Art and Science was held in Kobe. Its theme was "Examining Ethical Perspective on Nursing in the 21 Century." More than two thousand (2,141) attended and 300 research projects were presented. Both conferences were great successes. At the threshold of the new century when our community is faced with unprecedented problems caused by the aging population, the role of nursing science is more important and crucial than ever. Looking back at the last three years, I want to recognize the notable accomplishments made through the distinguished and extraordinary leadership of the former chairperson, Dr. Noriko Katada. These include opening the JANS website, publishing the online journal and initiating the management of citizen forums, to name a few. In December the academy gave its approval for opening a new independent office and revising the membership fee. These will provide further stability for our work in the future. As I review those accomplishments, I recognize that we face more challenges. Some of the priorities in my mind include 1) smooth management of our new independent office, 2) activities required for the registration our academy as an incorporated organization, 3) promotion of our journal sales, and much more. A new committee will be established soon to enhance social awareness of the importance of nursing science, which is integral to our academy becoming an incorporated organization. A new research award system will be set up to encourage JANS members to write more theses and to have their efforts recognized. In order to achieve these goals, I AM DETERMINED TO WORK HARD. The 22 Annual Conference of JANS will be held at the Tokyo International Forum on December 6 and 7, 2002. The chairperson of this year's conference is Michiko Hishinuma, Dean & Professor of St. Luke's College of Nursing. I hope that all the members of JANS will make time to share this occasion. I would like to express appreciation for the help and support from each and every member of JANS and from its friends and colleagues around the world. Your continued assistance and understanding are indispensable and essential for our activities and success. As new Board begins its work, we look forward to increasing international collaboration as well as continued development of our activities in Japan.