Addresses by His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Akishino
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Distinguished guests and Congress participants,
It is a great pleasure for me to attend with many participants from Japan and abroad here today this Opening Ceremony of the 22nd International Congress of Endocrinology, for short ICE2026, under the theme “Enlightened Endocrinology in Unprecedented Times”.
I understand that endocrinology is a crucial discipline that studies the hormones that maintain human homeostasis. Endocrinology, which relates to the organs and diseases of the entire body, is connected with numerous clinical specialities beyond internal medicine, including pediatrics, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, urology, and neurosurgery. It is an extremely interdisciplinary academic field also deeply related to nursing, pharmacy, and basic medical sciences. Furthermore, fundamental research on the hormonal regulatory mechanisms has made longstanding contributions to maintaining human health and improving the quality of medical care. It is worth noting that the knowledge and insights gained about the endocrine system, which is a universal function of human life, have been shared and applied worldwide.
I express my profound respect to all who have gathered today for your dedication in striving toward the realization of safe and high-quality medical care through these transdisciplinary research activities and the sharing of knowledge, while standing on the front line of medical care, supporting people’s health.
In recent years, the medical care and public health challenges facing our world, including global environmental changes, natural disasters, and the response to infectious diseases, have become increasingly complex. Broader perspectives and international collaborations are key to endocrinology research, including the study of malignant diseases. It is my hope that this Congress will serve as an opportunity to share knowledge and experience in addressing these challenges, deepening collaboration across disciplines and geographies.
In closing my address, I sincerely hope that the outcomes of the discussions and exchanges at this Congress will lead to the further advancement of endocrinology and contribute to human health and well-being. I wish you all a successful Congress and a fruitful, meaningful, and enjoyable stay here in Kyoto.
Thank you for your kind attention.