21. The structure and activity of International Organisations for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering

The International Union for Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine (lUPESM)comprises a global network of 40,000 graduate physical scientists and engineers in about 100 countries. IUPESM has two constituent organisations, the International Organisation for Medical Physics (IOMP) and the International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering (EFMBE). IUPESM has sponsored triennial World Congresses in many countreis since 1967. The Millennium Congress was held in Chicago, USA, with 6500 participants from 70 countries with 4000 oral presentations and posters. Regional scientific meetings, educational courses and scientific conferences are also. IUPESM, IOMP, IFMBE have interrelated Working Groups such as the Science Committee, Publications Committee and Education and Training Committee. Many journals belong to or are associated with IUPESM through our international and national member societies, as listed on the IUPESM Global Knowledge Network for Medicine, Physics and Bioengineering ( http://www.wc 2000.org/ ).The main area of IUPESM and IOMP activities are: (1) Education, Training and Continued Professional Development for the 21st Century ith particular reference to Developing and Emerging Countries. (2) Global Biomedical Information Networking for Developing and Emerging Countries. (3) Evidence Based Health Technology. This programme is aimed at international assessment of the health benefits and cost-effectiveness of existing and new technologies in Health Care. (4) Medical Equipment Evaluation. This programme's aims are to establish and promote international protocols and standards for Performance Testing, Quality Assurance, Safety and Environmental aspects.