The International Society of Radiology
ISR Centennial
From the ISR President
Throughout 2025 and 2026, the International Society of Radiology (ISR) will celebrate a remarkable milestone – 100 years of advancing global health through medical imaging.
It all began in 1925, when a group of pioneering radiologists, inspired by Wilhelm Roentgen’s discovery of X-rays, gathered in London for the first international radiology congress. Though no official proceedings remain, that historic meeting began a century-long mission for the ISR:
- to unite radiologists worldwide,
- advance radiological education, quality and safety, and
- improve access to medical imaging for all patients – regardless of geography or resources.
Since then, the ISR has grown into a global federation of national radiology societies, that collaborates with organizations like the WHO and IAEA to expand imaging access, strengthen education, and promote radiological quality and safety worldwide.
As we mark our Centennial Anniversary, we honor the past while looking ahead to the future. Celebrations will take place throughout the year at major radiology meetings, including the 2025 European Congress of Radiology and the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. The centennial will culminate with a special celebration in May 2026 at the International Congress of Radiology, which will be held in conjunction with the Colombian Congress of Radiology in Cartagena.
During our centennial year we are also excited to introduce the newly established International Society of Radiology Béclère-Fuchs Foundation, which is dedicated to raising funds to support the ISR’s commitment to education, radiation safety, workforce development, and equitable imaging access in LMICs.
The ISR’s work is built on collaborations and a shared commitment to improving global health. As we celebrate our centennial milestone, the ISR’s focus remains on the future – expanding imaging access, strengthening education, and ensuring that radiology continues to improve lives around the world. We invite you to join us in helping make life-saving medical imaging accessible to all.
The ISR’s work is built on collaboration and a shared commitment to improving global health. As we mark our centennial milestone, the ISR’s focus remains on the future – expanding imaging access, strengthening education, and ensuring that radiology continues to improve lives around the world. We invite you to join us in helping make life-saving medical imaging accessible to all.
Our internal Centennial Kickoff will begin with discussions at the upcoming ISR Executive Committee meeting later this summer to finalize the committee structure and timeline. Proposed subcommittees will include content, meetings and education, marketing and promotion, industry outreach and the foundation campaign. If you are interested in participating in any of these areas, please let us know by emailing Martina Szucsich (martina.szucsich@myesr.org) or Meg Samples (msamples@acr.org). We look forward to your participation as we celebrate the work and global impact of the International Society of Radiology.
The History of the ISR
Discovery of Xrays
The discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895 ignited a revolution in medicine, transforming diagnosis and treatment.
As X-ray technology rapidly advanced, radiologists and physicists worldwide worked to standardize radiation measurement, enhance imaging techniques, and improve safety in clinical applications.
Despite the loss of early radiology congress records during World War I, international collaboration continued.
First International Congress on Medical Imaging
The first International Congress on Medical Imaging was held in London, marking the beginning of the International Society of Radiology and a global movement dedicated to advancing medical imaging.
Stockholm Congress
The 1928 Stockholm Congress led to the creation of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), dedicated to safeguarding populations from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.
Antoine Béclère
renowned for pioneering X-ray applications in diagnosing and treating tuberculosis – organized the third international congress of radiology in Paris, strengthening global collaboration and advancing medical imaging worldwide.
ISR Formal Establishment
The International Society of Radiology (ISR) is formally established as the only international federation of national
radiology societies.
ISR Centennial
ISR celebrates 100 years of uniting
radiologists to advance innovation,
education, safety, and imaging access for patients worldwide.
The ISR begins preparations for centennial celebrations
From The ISR President
Throughout 2025 and 2026, the International Society of Radiology will celebrate its 100th year anniversary. Thanks to the commitment and work of luminaries like Antoine Béclère and many others, an international effort to assemble physicians from around the world to share their experience in using Roentgens new ray to improve health. That first Congress was held in London in 1925, and although records from the Congress did not survive, that gathering of international experts is considered to represent the beginnings of the International Society of Radiology. Our first documented International Congress of Radiology was held 1937, pictured above, was held in 1937 and over the years the activities of the society focused on education, particularly for those in underserved areas, provide safe and effective radiological care worldwide, and promote health equity by working to increase imaging capacity in low- and middle -income countries.
Our celebrations will include announcements and other activities at regional meetings such as the European Congress of Radiology and the Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting. We will be promoting our newly established International Society of Radiology Béclère-Fuchs Foundation and conclude the centennial year with special celebrations at the International Congress of Radiology tentatively planned for May 2026.
Our internal Centennial Kickoff will begin with discussions at the upcoming ISR Executive Committee meeting later this summer to finalize the committee structure and timeline. Proposed subcommittees will include content, meetings and education, marketing and promotion, industry outreach and the foundation campaign. If you are interested in participating in any of these areas, please let us know by emailing Martina Szucsich (martina.szucsich@myesr.org) or Meg Samples (msamples@acr.org). We look forward to your participation as we celebrate the work and global impact of the International Society of Radiology.
Discover ISR’s Global Impact: Read the Centennial Booklet
For 100 years, the International Society of Radiology has worked to advance medical imaging and improve global health. This special centennial booklet highlights ISR’s history, key initiatives, and ongoing efforts to expand access to life-saving imaging worldwide. Download now to learn how ISR is making a difference and how you can get involved.