Dear Colleagues and Friends,

Regretfully, Asia is a nasal disease frequent occurrence area in the world. Nose and nasal diseases in Asia may different from those in Western countries. Therefore, we should establish our own Rhinology. Basic research is extremely important in medicine for the development of clinical medicine.　Thereupon, this research symposium was founded for the better treatment and prevention of nasal diseases through a promotion and development of basic rhinologic science in Asia. 

In many developing countries nasal diseases have not been paid attention on public health. Because, it is not life-threatening, they have been neglectful in Asia. Now, WHO has proposed a concept of “One Airway, One Disease”. It means that nasal diseases may result in life-threatening bronchial asthma, COPD, and so on. We must let the public health authorities recognize potential danger of nasal diseases by the activity of ARSR.

From this point of view, it is the most important to exchange the information and to continue the friendly relationship among Asian countries. I believe that the past symposia have been succeeded not only in the meaning of medical science but also in forming a close friendship with each other. I am proud of the quality of these researches, which were conducted in Asia. 

I believe that you will find the 13th Asian Research Symposium in Rhinology in Bangkok scientifically rewarding and socially enjoyable. Young rhinologists in Asia, let's gather in the symposium in Bangkok, and do create Asian Rhinology. 

Yasuo Sakakura, MD, PhD

Founder
The Asian Research Symposium in Rhinology
Professor Emeritus Mie University

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

As one of the founders of the Asian Research Symposium in Rhinology, I would greet with great honor to all of the participants and distinguished guests from all over Asia. The prime objectives of the ARSR congress are to enable all the participants to present their informative research and to provide an insight into successful achievements of active nasal and sinus investigators.

The ASRS is an organization for the promotion of basic and clinical rhinology across Asian countries. I met Prof. Sakakura at an international meeting in 1995. We debated on the need for a separate Asian rhinologic congress, particularly for young researchers based on a concept that Oriental noses might be different from Western ones in terms of many aspects such as pathogenetic mechanisms and distribution of sinonasal diseases. The first congress of the ARSR was held in Japan in 1996 and the second congress was held in Seoul in 1997. We remember that both congresses were very successful and enjoyable meetings for all of us. Scientific enthusiasm and mutual friendship among our members of the ARSR have been promoted year by year since the first ARSR in Japan in 1996 and the second ARSR in Seoul in 1997. Junior and senior researchers have been motivated to show their creative research that caused this congress to become well-known all over the world. The ARSR has presented many scientific programs in broad subjects of rhinology and has played a key role in the link of friendship among Asia rhinologists. For a complete cure of sinonasal diseases, the ARSR has dedicated to fostering a wholesome environment among Asian countries where clinical investigation and basic research in rhinology field can be stimulated. This premier international meeting has offered you the opportunity to interact with researchers in the field by sharing the experience and expertise of their research.

I believe that much can be expected on this significant forum for Asian rhinologists to exchange new information, explore various perspectives and promote intimate co-operation. Since we have strong manpower and resources in our Asia region, I believe that we can achieve a great success in the field of basic and clinical nose science by sharing academic knowledge and ideas. Therefore, we will be able to provide a high standard of quality of life to the patients with sinonasal diseases in our region as well as in the world.

This unique opportunity afforded by an international gathering will bring together active rhinologists as well as basic researchers from all around Asia. I look forwards to participation of all the members of the ARSR in this meeting. Your active participation will serve as a cornerstone in making this congress a great success in terms of not only academic achievement but also friendship. I sincerely hope that you will be able to have the opportunity to actively participate at the 13th ARSR in Thailand.

Yang-Gi Min, MD, Ph D
Founder
The Asian Research Symposium in Rhinology