Alcohol is raising serious health and social concerns across the globe. According to the WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health in 2014, the harmful use of alcohol is a component cause of more than 200 disease and injury conditions. In 2012, around 3.3 million deaths, or 5.9% of all global deaths, were attributable to alcohol consumption. In Asia alcohol consumption has been increasing in many of the developing nations across the region, which is likely to lead to an increase in alcohol-related harm in this region.

In light of this trend towards rising alcohol consumption, it is timely and meaningful to host the ISBRA Congress in Japan. The main theme will be “Global Alcohol Research - Expanding Our Knowledge, Supporting Our Members”. At the event, cutting-edge scientific information on alcohol-related harm in biomedical, behavioral and psychosocial areas will be presented. In addition, the ISBRA 2018 program will include joint training sessions with WHO for young investigators, especially from developing countries.