The 39th Annual Research Meeting of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Welcoming Message from the Congress President

I am delighted to announce the 39th Annual Research Meeting of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association, which will take place on Thursday, October 17, and Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This esteemed event has consistently provided a platform for young orthopaedic surgeons to present their research findings, spanning a broad spectrum from basic to clinical research. The diversity of our meeting, which stands as one of the three major academic congresses organized by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association, is its hallmark. The privilege of hosting this prestigious gathering is a tremendous honor, made possible solely through the dedicated involvement of our members, to whom I extend my deepest gratitude.

This year’s theme, "Deepening and Exploration—Learn from Everything," reflects our commitment to advancing orthopaedic knowledge. "Deepening" involves revisiting and enhancing the depth and caliber of our existing basic research, a process that is crucial in the ever-evolving field of orthopaedics. "Exploration" is about venturing into and investigating uncharted territories, a vital aspect of pioneering new frontiers in medical science. Research that begins with exploration will eventually transition into a deepening phase. Achieving an optimal balance between these two facets promises to drive further growth and development of our academic meeting. By integrating insights from diverse fields, we aspire to create a conference experience where participants can genuinely engage with both the familiar depths and novel frontiers of orthopaedic science.

To facilitate this dual journey of deepening and exploration, we have introduced the AICE framework, encompassing Application, Innovation, Collaboration, and Education. The COMBO sessions, featuring educational lectures, symposiums, and invited talks, are designed to guide participants through this journey. The educational lectures will lay the groundwork and highlight key challenges, the symposiums will offer multi-faceted examinations, and the invited talks will aim to deepen and complete your understanding of the latest advancements in our field.

We eagerly anticipate the participation of numerous young professionals at this year’s meeting. I encourage them to maintain their dedication to basic research, which is crucial for the future of orthopaedics. Our commitment is to ensure that this meeting serves as a valuable and enriching experience for all attendees, thereby contributing significantly to the advancement of our field. We look forward to welcoming you to an inspiring and fruitful conference.