About WALT
The World Association for photobiomoduLation Therapy (WALT) was formed in May 1994 at Barcelona, Spain, when two international organizations, namely, International Laser Therapy Association (ILTA) and International Society for Laser Application In Medicine (ISLAM), unified to pursue the common goals of promoting research, education and clinical application of laser photostimulation world-wide. About three hundred delegates attended the unification congress.
The congresses have been held in Jerusalem, Israel (1996), Kansas City, USA (1998), Athens, Greece (2000), Tsukuba, Japan (2002), Guarujá, SP, Brazil (2004), Limassol, Cyprus (2006), Sun City, South Africa (2008), Bergen, Norway (2010), Gold Coast, Australia (2012), Arligton, Washington, USA (2014), Maresias, SP, Brazil (2016). The next conference will be held in France in 2018.
WALT pursues its mission of research, education, and clinical application of laser therapy via workshops, biennial congresses and our scientific journal – Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. Member contact is kept via three eNewsletters per annum.
Congresses
WALT hosts its World Congress every two years with venues spread worldwide. Since its formation in 1994, congresses have been held in: Jerusalem, Israel (1996), Kansas City, USA (1998), Athens, Greece (2000), Tsukuba, Japan (2002), Guaruja, Brazil (2004), Limassol, Cyprus (2006), Sun City, South Africa (2008), Bergen, Norway (2010), Gold Coast, Australia (2012). Washington, USA (2014), Brazil (2016). The next conference will be held in France in 2018.
Leadership
WALT has run under the leadership of the following presidents: Prof Shimon Rochkind, Israel (1996-1998), Prof Chukuka Enwemeka, USA (1998-2000), Dr Nic Nicolopoulos, Greece (2000-2002), Dr Kazuo Hanaoka, Japan (2002-2004), Prof Also Brugnera Jnr, Brazil (2004-2006), Prof Farouk Al-Watban, Saudi Arabia (2006-2008), Prof Jan Bjordal, Norway (2008-2010), Prof Heidi Abrahamse, South Africa (2010 –2012) Prof Liisa Laakso, Australia (2013-2014), Prof Rodrigo Lopes Martins, Brazil (2015 – 2016), and now Prof Jan Bjordal, Norway (2016-2018).