The growing number of published papers in the field of Hepatology, and the founding of new Journals with peer review in Hepatology and with high impact factor, reflect this evolution.

It is obvious that physicians taking care of patients with liver diseases should be familiar with endoscopic techniques and have thorough knowledge of virology and immunology.

History of the BASL

During the annual EASL meeting in Palma de Mallorca in September 1991, a few Belgian hepatologists met after the evening dinner and raised the project to found a national association devoted to the study of liver diseases (see picture). Before giving life to this ambitious project, they decided to create an informal and friendly group gathering regularly at each other's home for discussing interesting medical cases and also for pursuing fructuous exchanges about the project. Here was one of the main roots of the future BASL.

On the other hand, in Belgium, a research group ‘Liver’, supported by the National Fund of Scientific Research in Medicine, was organising a half-day scientific meeting for many years. This meeting was later-on incorporated in the ‘Belgian Week of Gastroenterology’. From 1995 on this research group was, however, no longer supported by the Government due to reorganisation. It was decided to continue the research group and to enlarge its scope towards clinical hepatology. The driving force behind these ideas was the late Marc Hautekeete.

Furthermore, the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) called upon national societies to become a bridge to the European level. The Belgian Association for the Study of the Liver (BASL) was created officially as a scientific society in March 2000 with the publication of its statutes.

The aims of the BASL

· Stimulation of collaboration among hepatologists in Belgium
· Conduction of clinical trials and registries in hepatology
· Organisation of postgraduate teaching in hepatology
· Being a bridge to the EASL
· Being a channel for requests on hepatological matters towards the health authorities

All this is performed in collaboration with other scientific gastroenterological associations.

Current organisation of the BASL

The BASL Steering Committee consists of 12 members, comprising 7 members from the different medical faculties and 5 non-university members. It is elected by the members of the Association for 4 years. The first elections were held in December 2000. The President, Secretary and Treasurer are elected between the members of the Steering Committee. After 2 years, the Secretary automatically becomes President, and a new Secretary is elected. According to the statutes, President and Secretary are of different linguistic expression.

Two annual meetings are organised. During the Belgian Week of Gastroenterology, a ‘Spring Meeting’ is held, during which basic and clinical research is presented. Abstracts are selected anonymously by the BASL Steering Committee. In December, a clinical ‘Winter Meeting’ is held. During the morning session, selected clinical - mostly controversial - topics are discussed with invited experts and a panel. In the afternoon selected clinical cases are presented, for which participation is asked from all interested gastroenterologists.

The BASL also coordinates clinical studies and registries.

A yearly Newsletter is distributed to the members, containing practical information on future conferences of the BASL and other related associations in Belgium and abroad, as well as summaries of major international congresses.

The BASL also has an Associated Editor of Acta Gastroenterologica Belgica. His task is to manage papers submitted for publication in the field of hepatology, and to coordinate the publication of proceedings of the BASL meetings.

Last but not least, a BASL Website is created in 2003 (webmaster: Ch. de Galocsy). The purpose of the website is to make available updated information on our Society to the gastroenterologists with interest in hepatology, and specific information on a protected part for the members. Links are also made to other websites such as EASL and AASLD.

Legend to the picture:

Picture taken at the EASL Annual Meeting in Palma de Mallorca. Sitting from left to right: Nadine Bourgeois, Michael Adler, Réginald Brenard, Marc Hautekeete (†), André Geubel, Jean Henrion.