ISFRI 2025 in Fukui: Good Times Together
The 2025 meeting of the International Society of Forensic Radiology and Imaging (ISFRI) concluded in Fukui, Japan, after several days of stimulating scientific exchange and collegial collaboration. Delegates from more than 30 countries gathered to share best practices, present challenging cases, and discuss emerging technologies shaping the field.
The meeting opened with honorary lectures by Dr. Seiji Shiotani (Our latest honorary member from the Department of Radiology, Seirei Fuji Hospital), Dr. Suguru Torimitsu (Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo), and Dr. Soichiro Kawabe (Institute of Dinosaur Research, Fukui Prefectural University), whose contributions enriched the scientific program with perspectives from clinical radiology, forensic medicine, and paleontological research. These lectures were complemented by an excursion to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, situated beside Japan’s most active excavation site. Participants explored the museum’s striking domed exhibition hall, which houses more than 40 life-sized skeletons — including unique species such as the Fukuiraptor — before concluding the visit with a sparkling sake tasting, setting a memorable tone for the days ahead.
Day 2 featured parallel sessions, two poster halls, and productive working group meetings, where members advanced and refined international guidelines. At the General Assembly, new leadership was elected: Summer Decker (Chair), Jamie Elifritz, M.D. (Secretary), and Hans de Boer (Board Member). The society expressed its gratitude to outgoing President Thomas Ruder for his service and leadership.
The gala dinner was a particular standout, blending Japanese tradition with warm camaraderie. Guests were entertained by a magician and delighted to see their names beautifully written in kanji. A highlight of the evening was the ceremonial kagami-biraki: the board, honorary members, and colleagues joined on stage to open a sake barrel with wooden mallets — a joyous symbol of good fortune and the society’s bright future. The celebrations carried on late into the night, with many attendees savoring the unique hospitality and charm of Fukui.
The final day closed with sessions on innovative applications of AI and Micro-CT imaging, as well as the presentation of the Patricia Flach Award to Mohammad Alshirawi. The meeting concluded under the direction of ISFRI’s new Chair, Summer Decker.
ISFRI extends sincere thanks to its sponsors and all contributors who made this meeting possible.
The next gathering will be a joint event: ISFRI & IAFS 2026 in Sofia, Bulgaria, May 25–30, 2026.