Since its establishment in 1960, the International Society of Endocrinology has been privileged to have prominent society leaders who have played a pivotal role in advancing the field of endocrinology on a global scale. These remarkable individuals have contributed their expertise, commitment, and visionary leadership to promote ISE’s mission of advancing endocrine and metabolic science, education, practice, and advocacy worldwide. Their efforts have not only shaped the society but have also had an impact on the international endocrine community, promoting the spirit of collaboration and excellence that defines ISE.
We recognize the enduring legacy of these past leaders and are proud of them having been a part of the ISE Family.
Past Senior Leadership Members
Bernado A. Houssay (Argentina) – Honorary President of ICE 1960
Bernardo Houssay was a pioneer in research on the endocrine hormone system, or “hormone feedback loops.” Made significant contributions to physiology, with a primary focus on experimental investigations into the role of the anterior pituitary gland in carbohydrate metabolism, notably in diabetes mellitus. Nobel Prize laureate for Physiology or Medicine (1947) and James Cook Medal.
F.T.G. Prunty (UK) – ISE Chairperson 1964-1968
Garnet Prunty was a prominent figure in clinical chemistry and endocrinology. After a distinguished career at St Thomas’s Hospital and Cambridge, he played a pivotal role in establishing chemical pathology as a recognized discipline. He recognized for his scientific scrupulousness, integrity, and contributions to endocrinology, held leadership roles nationally and internationally.
Roy O. Greep (USA) – ISE Chairperson 1968-1972
Dr. Roy Orval Greep, a multifaceted anatomist who earned threefold emeritus status at Harvard University. His notable contribution was the groundbreaking observation that the restoration of male and female function could occur irrespective of the donor’s age or gender. Laureate of Endocrine Society for Outstanding Research.
F. Gross (Germany) – ISE Chairperson 1972 – 1976
Dr. FH Gross was a renowned clinical pharmacologist. Notable for his influential work at Ciba Ltd, Basel, and as Chair of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Heidelberg University, he made significant contributions to the study of the renin-angiotensin system. His research earned him the Stouffer Award in 1969, and he held key roles Dr. Gross left a lasting impact on pharmacology and endocrinology, shaping international scientific institutions.
J.C. Beck (Canada) – ISE Secretary-Treasurer 1964-1976
Dr. Beck, born in 1924, was a prominent figure in global medical academia. His five distinguished careers included pioneering research in endocrine physiology and leadership roles in academia, notably at McGill University and UCLA. His significant contributions to geriatric medicine, the establishment of national programs, and numerous awards reflect a lifetime commitment to clinical excellence.
Grant W. Liddle (USA) – ISE Chairperson 1976-1980
Grant W. Liddle earned his B.S. degree from the University of Utah in 1943 and his M.D. from the University of California in 1948. He was a pioneer in the field of clinical endocrinology, revolutionizing the field with a reproducible aldosterone measurement method. He linked certain tumors to active ACTH secretion, reshaping Cushing’s disease understanding. His insights into cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP pathways and the development of key endocrine tests advanced the field significantly.
B. Hudson (Australia) – ISE Chairperson 1980 – 1984
Dr. Bryan Hudson, a distinguished physician-scientist, graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1946. Pioneering research in pituitary hormones marked his commitment to basic science. As the first professor of medicine at Monash University, he led groundbreaking research in androgen physiology, contributing significantly to male contraception. Dr. Hudson’s contributions spanned medicine, endocrinology, and scientific leadership.
M.B. Lipsett (USA) – ISE Secretary-Treasurer 1976 – 1984
Mortimer B. Lipsett was a key figure at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). His impactful contributions included pivotal work on curative chemotherapy for choriocarcinoma. Lipsett’s expertise in developmental endocrinology led to leadership roles at the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetic, Digestive and Kidney Disease. His legacy in endocrinology and cancer research endured, marked by his significant contributions until his passing in 1985.
Ernst Knobil (Germany) – ISE Chairperson 1984-1988
Ernst Knobil was well known for his pioneering research in endocrinology. His many research contributions also included an understanding of the species specificity of growth hormone, which led directly and for the first time to the successful treatment of human pituitary dwarfs.
L. Martini (Italy) – ISE Chairperson 1988 – 1992
Luciano Martini, MD,italian endocrinologist known for his significant contributions to the field. Dr.Martini made notable advancements in neuroendocrinology. His pioneering work included research on the regulation of hormone secretion and the hypothalamus-pituitary axis.
Hiroo Imura (Japan) – ISE Chairperson 1992-1996
Dr. Hiroo Imura graduated from the Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine. After an internship and residency, he majored in endocrinology and obtained the degree of Doctor of Medical Science in 1962. His major research area is endocrinology and diabetes, with special reference to pituitary hormones, cardiovascular hormones, and insulin. Dr. Imura is honored with the Dale Medal from the British Endocrine Societies in 1985, the Takeda Medical Award from the Takeda Science Foundation in 1986, the Erwin von Baelz Award from C. H. Boehringer Sohn Ingelheim am Rhein in 1988, the Medical Award from the Japan Medical Association, and many more.
John Funder (Australia) – ISE Chairperson 1996 – 2000
John Funder is an Australian endocrinologist and researcher known for his significant contributions to the field of endocrinology. He has conducted extensive research on adrenal function, steroid hormones, and related areas. has published numerous scientific articles and has been actively involved in medical research. John Funder is honored with the Order of Australia for outstanding achievement and service.
Wylie Vale (USA) – ISE Chairperson 2000 – 2004
Wylie Vale was a pioneering American neuroscientist and endocrinologist acclaimed for his groundbreaking research on neuropeptides, notably discovering and characterizing corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). His contributions advanced the understanding of the intricate connections between the nervous and endocrine systems, leaving a lasting impact on the fields of neuroendocrinology and molecular biology.
Lesley Rees (UK) – ISE Secretary-Treasurer 1984 – 2004
Lesley Rees was an internationally acclaimed leader in pediatric nephrology. She revolutionized the field with her pioneering work, compassionate care, and groundbreaking research. Dr.Rees dedicates her professional life to improving the lives of infants and children with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Shlomo Melmed (USA) – ISE Chairperson 2004 – 2008
Dr. Shlomo Melmed is a renowned endocrinologist and former Dean of the Medical Faculty at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Recognized for his significant contributions to pituitary research,he has pioneered discovery and application of novel treatments for endocrine tumors and is a recognized international authority on pituitary medicine.
Felipe F. Casanueva (Spain) – ISE Chairperson 2008 -2012
Dr. Felipe F. Casanueva is a distinguished researcher in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, focusing on Leptin, Hormone, and Growth hormone secretion. His integrative studies encompass connections with topics such as Receptor and Endocrinology. Notable contributions include research on Leptin’s impact on Weight gain and Appetite, Hormones like Estrogen and Resistin, and Growth hormone secretion involving Somatotropic cells and Peptide hormones.
Margaret Shupnik (USA) – ISE Chairperson 2012-2016
Dr. Margaret Shupnik was a renowned researcher in reproductive endocrinology, known for her contributions to understanding hormonal regulation in reproductive tissues. She held academic positions at the University of Virginia, focusing on molecular mechanisms, particularly the regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors and signaling pathways.
Paul Stewart (UK) – ISE Secretary-Treasurer 2004 – 2016
Professor Paul Stewart, a key figure at the University of Leeds, is a Professor of Medicine and Health Policy Advisor to the Vice Chancellor. As an Honorary Consultant Endocrinologist, he specializes in pituitary and adrenal disorders, endocrine hypertension, and reproductive medicine. His impactful research on corticosteroids has led to advancements in hypertension, obesity, aging, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Andre Lacroix (Canada) – ISE Chairperson 2016 – 2020
Dr. André Lacroix is a Canadian endocrinologist known for his contributions to the field of endocrinology, specifically in disorders related to the pituitary gland and adrenal glands. He has been involved in research and clinical work focusing on conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal tumors. His work often involves investigating the molecular and genetic aspects of endocrine disorders. He has contributed to numerous scientific publications and has been recognized for his expertise in endocrinology.
Margaret Wierman (USA) – ISE President 2020 – 2022
Dr. Wierman is a translational physician-scientist with research interests in reproductive endocrinology, sex hormone action, and, more recently, the molecular mechanisms of pituitary tumors and adrenal cancer. She also directs the Program to Advance Gender Equity in the Department of Medicine. Dr. Wierman has a long track record of mentoring and pipeline development for academic researchers. She directs the K-to-R grant review and mock study section program at Colorado to assist junior investigators in obtaining their first R-type award. She has been honored with the Women in Endocrinology Mentor Award and the Endocrine Society Laureate Mentor Award from the Endocrine Society.
Emanuel Christ (Switzerland) – ISE Secretary-Treasurer 2016 – 2022
Emanuel Christ, educated near Basel, Switzerland, is Head of Interdisciplinary Endocrinology at the University Hospital of Basel. With extensive experience in endocrinology and diabetology, he specializes in pituitary adenoma, neuroendocrine tumors (NET), and metabolism, holding leadership roles in the Swiss Association for Diabetes and Endocrinology since 2004.
Syed Abbas Raza (Pakistan) – ISE President 2022 – 2024
Dr. Syed Abbas Raza is a Clinical Endocrinologist and represented as past president of the Pakistan Endocrine Society and South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies in ISE. He served on the ISE Education Working Group, and as ISE President between 2022-2024. Dr. Raza is an outstanding clinician, educator and advocate for global Endocrinology. He is recipient of the Tamgha E Imtiaz by the Government/President of Pakistan and Global Laurette Award by the Endocrine Society of the USA. Dr. Raza is CEO of MED Consultants and serves as a Board director of the charity organization “Friend Of Mayo” (FOM) and the Dilawar Hussain Foundation (DHF).