From WEDA to EDTA to ERA: 60 years of supporting European nephrology and counting

Abstract

Nephrology has evolved from treating kidney failure, first with dialysis and then with kidney transplantation, to identifying and treating early stages of kidney disease and eventually to prevent kidney disease from occurring. Similarly, the name of the European scientific society caring for people with kidney disease has evolved from the West European Dialysis Society Association to the European Dialysis and Transplant Association to the European Renal Association. These name changes reflect a deeper change in the mission of the society to the current mission of leading European nephrology by promoting kidney health for all, improving kidney care for patients, and strengthen the kidney community and the vision of a Europe where kidney health is prioritized, kidney health is accessible and the kidney community is thriving. We now review the major changes in the society over the years and present its current structure and focus as we face the largest projected increase to date in the global burden of kidney diseases.