ISoP Chapter Archives

ISoP Chapters

ISoP Chapters Archive

Italy Chapter

Celebrating the Contribution of the ISoP Italy Chapter
The ISoP Italy Chapter holds a special place in the history of the International Society of Pharmacovigilance as the first regional Chapter established by ISoP.
Founded in 2006, during the ISoP Executive Committee meeting in Sevilla, Spain, under the Presidency of Prof. Giampaolo Velo, the Chapter was established as part of ISoP’s development of regional Chapters to support scientific exchange, education, training and pharmacovigilance activities at national and regional levels.
Following the development of the ISoP Europe Chapter, the Italy Chapter has now merged into the wider European Chapter and no longer operates as a separate ISoP Chapter.
This page is retained as part of the ISoP historical archive, celebrating the achievements of the Italy Chapter and recognising the many individuals who contributed to its activities and to the advancement of pharmacovigilance in Italy.
Italian ISoP members are now represented through the ISoP Europe Chapter.
[Visit the ISoP Europe Chapter]

Our Legacy
For almost two decades, the Italy Chapter worked to promote the science, education and culture of pharmacovigilance throughout Italy while strengthening ISoP’s presence and activities nationally.
The Chapter’s objectives included:
promoting the science and culture of pharmacovigilance in Italy;
increasing awareness of ISoP and its activities;
organising educational activities for professionals working within the Italian pharmacovigilance system;
supporting and promoting scientific pharmacovigilance events;
strengthening collaboration between Italian groups involved in pharmacovigilance;
encouraging and supporting young pharmacovigilance researchers in developing their professional and scientific networks; and
fostering dialogue and cooperation between academia, regulatory authorities, healthcare organisations and the pharmaceutical sector.

Chapter History
2006 – Establishment of the Italy Chapter
The ISoP Italy Chapter was established during the 2006 ISoP Executive Committee meeting in Sevilla, Spain, under the Presidency of Prof. Giampaolo Velo (2003–2006).
As the first regional Chapter established within ISoP, the Italy Chapter helped develop the model through which geographically based groups could organise meetings, training courses and other activities supporting the objectives of the Society.
2007 – First Chapter Event
Prof. Ugo Moretti served as Interim Chapter Coordinator from 2007.
In April 2007, the Chapter organised its first event in Verona:
“Signal Detection and Dissemination in Pharmacovigilance”
The workshop marked the beginning of the Chapter’s programme of scientific and educational activities.
2009 – National Congress of Pharmacovigilance
In December 2009, the Italy Chapter supported the National Congress of Pharmacovigilance, organised by the Tuscan Pharmacovigilance Centre in Florence.
2011 – Development of the Chapter Leadership
In March 2011, Dr Marco Tuccori, University Hospital of Pisa, was elected Chair of the Chapter.
He was joined by:
Dr Stefano Bonato – Secretary
Bayer Italia
Prof. Corrado Blandizzi – Treasurer
University of Pisa
Prof. Blandizzi, who made an important contribution to the Chapter and to pharmacovigilance, sadly passed away on 5 January 2021.
2013 – ISoP Annual Meeting, Pisa
A major milestone came in October 2013, when the Italy Chapter collaborated in the organisation of the ISoP Annual Meeting in Pisa:
“The Renaissance of Pharmacovigilance”
The meeting welcomed the international ISoP community to Italy and further strengthened the Chapter’s contribution to international scientific exchange.
2021 – Real-World Evidence Symposium
In September 2021, under the auspices of ISoP and the Italian Society of Pharmacology (SIF), the University of Verona organised, in collaboration with the Italy Chapter:
“6th Symposium on the Role of Real World Evidence to Support Regulatory Decision Making: Post-marketing Surveillance of Biologics in Real-world Setting: Which Strategies?”
The free webinar provided another opportunity for scientific exchange and collaboration within the pharmacovigilance community.
2022 – ISoP Annual Meeting, Verona
From 20–23 September 2022, Italy once again welcomed the international ISoP community for the Annual Meeting in Verona:
“A New Era of Pharmacovigilance: Challenges and Opportunities”
The meeting was organised by the Local Organising Committee chaired by Prof. Gianluca Trifirò.
The event provided renewed momentum for the Italy Chapter and encouraged further engagement by Italian researchers with ISoP and its international community.
2023 – Coordinating Group
In 2023, the Chapter’s Coordinating Group included:
Dr Marco Tuccori
Coordinator
Prof. Emanuel Raschi
Secretary
Dr Salvatore Crisafulli
Treasurer
2026 – A New Chapter within ISoP Europe
In 2026, the Italy Chapter’s journey as an independent ISoP Chapter came to an end as its members and activities became part of the wider ISoP Europe Chapter.
This transition provides Italian members with opportunities to participate in a broader European network while preserving the important contribution and history of the Italy Chapter.

Chapter Leadership
With Thanks to Those Who Supported the Italy Chapter
ISoP gratefully acknowledges the many members and volunteers who contributed their time, expertise and leadership to the development and success of the Italy Chapter.
Particular recognition is given to the Chapter’s leadership over the years, including:
Prof. Ugo Moretti
Interim Coordinator
Dr Marco Tuccori
Chapter Chair / Coordinator
Dr Stefano Bonato
Secretary
Prof. Corrado Blandizzi
Treasurer
Prof. Emanuel Raschi
Secretary
Dr Salvatore Crisafulli
Treasurer
Their collective contribution helped build a strong Italian pharmacovigilance network and supported ISoP’s scientific and educational mission over many years.

Continuing the Journey within ISoP Europe
Although the Italy Chapter no longer operates independently, its community, achievements and contribution to ISoP continue.
Italian members are now represented through the ISoP Europe Chapter, providing wider opportunities for collaboration, education, scientific exchange and networking with pharmacovigilance colleagues across Europe.
ISoP extends its sincere thanks to all former Italy Chapter Coordinators, Committee members, volunteers, speakers, collaborators and members for their dedication and contribution to ISoP and to the advancement of pharmacovigilance in Italy.
The Italy Chapter has played an important role in ISoP’s history, and its legacy will continue through ISoP Europe.
[Visit the ISoP Europe Chapter]
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ARCHIVED CHAPTER
The ISoP Italy Chapter merged with the ISoP Europe Chapter in 2026. This page is retained as a historical record celebrating the Chapter, its activities and its contribution to ISoP.

UK & Ireland Chapter Chapter

Celebrating the Contribution of the ISoP UK & Ireland Chapter
The ISoP UK & Ireland Chapter (UKIRL) was officially launched on 9 May 2022 during the ISoP Mid-Year Symposium in Southampton, United Kingdom. It became the 13th ISoP Chapter, representing an important milestone in expanding ISoP’s regional network across Europe.
Although the Chapter had a relatively short history, it quickly established itself as a vibrant community bringing together pharmacovigilance professionals from academia, healthcare, regulatory agencies, industry, consultancy and non-profit organisations across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Following the continued development of the ISoP Europe Chapter, the UK & Ireland Chapter merged into the Europe Chapter in 2026.
The UK & Ireland Chapter therefore no longer operates as a separate ISoP Chapter.
This page is retained as part of the ISoP Chapters Archive to celebrate the Chapter’s achievements and recognise the contribution of its members, leadership and collaborators during its existence.
Members from the United Kingdom and Ireland are now represented through the ISoP Europe Chapter.
Our Legacy
The UK & Ireland Chapter was created to strengthen collaboration in pharmacovigilance and patient safety across the United Kingdom and Ireland by providing an open and inclusive forum for scientific discussion, education and professional networking.
Throughout its existence, the Chapter:
promoted collaboration between pharmacovigilance and patient safety professionals across the UK and Ireland;
provided education and capacity-building through webinars, panel discussions and scientific meetings;
created opportunities for collaboration between ISoP Chapters, Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and external organisations;
encouraged contributions from academia, industry, healthcare professionals, regulators and patients;
supported knowledge sharing and professional development within the regional pharmacovigilance community; and
contributed to ISoP’s wider mission of advancing pharmacovigilance and patient safety through education and scientific exchange.
Chapter History
2022 – Establishment of the UK & Ireland Chapter
After many years of planning and development, the UK & Ireland Chapter was officially launched on 9 May 2022 during a pre-symposium meeting at the ISoP–DSRU Mid-Year Symposium in Southampton, hosted by the Drug Safety Research Unit.
The launch was led by former ISoP President Dr Mira Harrison-Woolrych and attended by the Chapter’s founding members, ISoP Executive Committee representatives and invited guests.
The Chapter also recognised the contribution of Dr Brian Edwards, Dr Sarah Daniels and others whose work helped bring the Chapter from concept to reality.
2023–2025 – Building a Regional Community
The Chapter established a programme of regular virtual meetings, annual face-to-face meetings and educational webinars for members across the UK and Ireland.
Membership grew to include professionals from across the pharmacovigilance ecosystem, including regulatory authorities, academia, healthcare, consultancy, industry and non-profit organisations.
2025 – Public Engagement Webinar Series
One of the Chapter’s notable educational initiatives was the webinar and panel discussion:
“Speaking to the Media about Medicines Safety”
Held on 4 September 2025, the session brought together experts from the Science Media Centre (UK), the Health Products Regulatory Authority (Ireland) and academia to discuss effective communication about medicines safety with the public and media.
The webinar formed part of the Chapter’s ongoing commitment to education and public engagement.
2026 – Transition to the ISoP Europe Chapter
In 2026, following the continued growth of the ISoP Europe Chapter, the UK & Ireland Chapter merged into the Europe Chapter.
This transition created a unified European network, enabling members from the UK and Ireland to collaborate more closely with colleagues across Europe while continuing to participate in regional educational activities, scientific discussions and networking opportunities.
The Chapter’s history and achievements remain an important part of ISoP’s development and are preserved within the ISoP Chapters Archive.
Chapter Leadership
With Thanks to the UK & Ireland Chapter Leadership
ISoP gratefully acknowledges the dedication and leadership of everyone who supported the UK & Ireland Chapter during its existence.
Executive Committee (2023–2025)

Role Name
Chair
Prof Anthony Cox
Secretary
Dr Ryan Walker
Project Manager
Dr Walter-Rodney Nagumo
Communications Officer
Ms Samantha Lane
Ireland Coordinator
Dr Nicole Baker
ISoP also recognises the contribution of the Chapter’s founding members, committee members, volunteers, speakers and collaborators whose commitment helped establish and grow the Chapter.
Highlights and Achievements
During its four-year history, the UK & Ireland Chapter:
Successfully launched the 13th ISoP Chapter in 2022.
Built an active network of more than 60 members across the UK and Ireland.
Delivered educational webinars and panel discussions on key pharmacovigilance topics.
Created opportunities for collaboration between academia, regulators, healthcare professionals, industry and patients.
Supported ISoP’s mission of strengthening pharmacovigilance capacity and patient safety through regional engagement and education.
Continuing the Journey within ISoP Europe
While the UK & Ireland Chapter has concluded its activities as an independent Chapter, its community, expertise and contribution continue through the ISoP Europe Chapter.
The Europe Chapter provides members from the United Kingdom, Ireland and across Europe with expanded opportunities for collaboration, scientific exchange, education, networking and regional initiatives in pharmacovigilance and patient safety.
ISoP extends its sincere thanks to all former UK & Ireland Chapter leaders, committee members, volunteers, speakers, collaborators and members for their commitment to advancing pharmacovigilance and patient safety.
The legacy of the ISoP UK & Ireland Chapter continues through the ISoP Europe Chapter.

CHAPTER ARCHIVE
The ISoP UK & Ireland Chapter merged with the ISoP Europe Chapter in 2026.
This page is retained as a historical archive celebrating the Chapter’s leadership, activities and contribution to the International Society of Pharmacovigilance.

Switzerland Chapter

Celebrating the Switzerland Chapter
The ISoP Switzerland Chapter was established in April 2009 and officially announced at the ISoP Annual Meeting in Reims, France, in October 2009.
For many years, the Chapter provided an important platform for ISoP members and the wider pharmacovigilance community in Switzerland, supporting scientific exchange, education, collaboration and the advancement of pharmacovigilance and patient safety.
As part of the continued development of ISoP’s regional network, the Switzerland Chapter has now merged with the ISoP Europe Chapter.
The Switzerland Chapter therefore no longer operates as a separate ISoP Chapter. However, its history and achievements remain an important part of ISoP’s development and are preserved here in recognition of the many members and colleagues who contributed to its success.
Members in Switzerland are now represented through the ISoP Europe Chapter.
[Visit the ISoP Europe Chapter]

Our History
The Switzerland Chapter was founded in April 2009, with its establishment formally announced later that year at the ISoP Annual Meeting in Reims, France.
Throughout its existence, the Chapter brought together pharmacovigilance professionals and other stakeholders to promote collaboration, education and scientific discussion in Switzerland.
Its activities supported greater awareness and understanding of pharmacovigilance, encouraged research and professional exchange, and provided opportunities for dialogue between academia, regulatory authorities, healthcare professionals, industry and other stakeholders.
ISoP Annual Meeting – Geneva 2018
A particular highlight in the Chapter’s history was Switzerland hosting the 18th ISoP Annual Meeting, held in Geneva from 11–14 November 2018.
The meeting welcomed the international ISoP community to Switzerland and provided an important opportunity for scientific exchange, networking and collaboration.
The local organisation was led by Dr Victoria Rollason, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, who also served as President/Coordinator of the ISoP Switzerland Chapter.

Chapter Leadership
ISoP gratefully acknowledges the dedication of everyone who supported the Switzerland Chapter throughout its existence.
The Chapter’s leadership included:
Dr Victoria Rollason
President / Coordinator
Prof. Dr Stefan Russmann
Vice-President / Deputy
Dr sc. ETH David Niedrig
Secretary
We extend our sincere thanks to all former Chapter leaders, committee members, volunteers, speakers, collaborators and members who contributed their time and expertise to the Chapter and its activities.

Continuing within ISoP Europe
While the Switzerland Chapter has concluded its activities as an independent Chapter, its community and legacy continue within the ISoP Europe Chapter.
Through the Europe Chapter, members in Switzerland can continue to participate in ISoP activities and benefit from opportunities for collaboration, education, scientific exchange and networking across the European pharmacovigilance community.
ISoP thanks everyone who contributed to the Switzerland Chapter over the years. Its achievements and contribution to pharmacovigilance remain an important part of our Society’s history.
The journey continues with ISoP Europe
[Visit the ISoP Europe Chapter]

Middle East Chapter

The creation of the ISoP Middle East Chapter was officially announced in October 2015 during the ISoP Annual Meeting in Prague. The Chapter later hosted the ISoP Annual Meeting 2021.

ISoP Middle East Chapter Pharmacovigilance Training programme

Egypt Chapter

The Egyptian Chapter of ISoP was founded in March 2020 and officially launched during the virtual ISoP General Assembly on 14 October 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The chapter hosted the 24th ISoP Annual Meeting 2025 and the ISoP 25th Anniversary Celebration in Cairo, Egypt

Publication

A Multidisciplinary Approach in Pharmacovigilance Awareness: ISoP Egypt Chapter’s MedSafetyWeek Experience

Authors: Hadir Rostom, Mohamed A. Elhawary, and Islam N. Ali

Published in the Drug Safety Journal

Publication Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40264-021-01112-9

Published Reports to the WHO Programme for International Drug Monitoring (PIDM)

Podcast with Uppsala Monitoring Centre

Listen to the Drug Safety Matters podcast episode featuring one of the ISoP Egypt Chapter projects (January 2022).

Link of the Episode: https://www.drugsafetymatterspod.org/618871/episodes

Videos

Patient Safety Day

PV Cycle – Arabic Version (Developed in Collaboration with UMC)

The ISoP Egypt Chapter, in collaboration with Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC), developed the Arabic version of the PV Cycle.

The PV Cycle is a visual narrative that guides readers through the different stages of the medicine’s safety cycle, with the patient placed at the centre of the story.

Access the PV Cycle – Arabic Version: https://who-umc.org/about-the-who-programme-for-international-drug-monitoring/pv-cycle-arabic/

Projects with Other ISoP Chapters and SIGs

Medication Errors Special Interest Group of the International Society of Pharmacovigilance and the Trends in International Collaboration for Patient Safety

ISoP Egypt Chapter and the ISoP Medication Errors SIG coordinated pharmacovigilance activities with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to promote the safety of vulnerable communities in Egypt.

Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40264-021-01145-0

The ISoP PatEG-SIG for Promoting Patient Engagement in Pharmacovigilance: A Change of Paradigm is Needed

The ISoP Egypt Chapter contributed to the development of strategies for the ISoP Patient Engagement Special Interest Group (PatEG-SIG).

Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40264-023-01313-4

The Role of ISoP in the Advancement of Pharmacovigilance in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)

The ISoP Egypt Chapter collaborated with the ISoP Africa Chapter, ISoP LATAM Chapter, and ISoP Middle East Chapter to highlight opportunities for Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) within the International Society of Pharmacovigilance (ISoP).

Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40264-023-01363-8

A Framework for Promoting Safety Monitoring of Herbal Medicines: The International Society of Pharmacovigilance Special Interest Group on Herbal and Traditional Medicines

The ISoP Egypt Chapter and the ISoP Herbal & Traditional Medicines SIG developed a framework to strengthen the safety monitoring of herbal medicines.

Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40264-024-01440-6

Pharmacovigilance in the Community: A Special-Interest Group of the International Society of Pharmacovigilance

The ISoP Egypt Chapter and the ISoP PV in the Community SIG shaped the strategies of the new SIG.

Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40264-024-01513-6

Sten Olsson Poster Prize

ISoP Chapters and SIGs

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