We are the International Headache Society
IHS is an international professional organisation working with others for the benefit of people affected by headache disorders. As a charity, the purpose of IHS is to advance headache science, education, and management, and promote headache awareness worldwide.
Our values
1. Commitment to Excellence
IHS strives for excellence in its activities, and will set challenging but achievable goals.
2. Respect for Expertise
IHS values expertise and the full range of skills and disciplines that are needed for the realisation of its objectives.
3. Respect for Science
IHS recognises that good healthcare is based on evidence, and that the origins of evidence lie in responsible research and scientific method.
4. Commitment to Independence from Inappropriate Influence
IHS works for the public good and will not be influenced by commercial or other considerations that are contrary to the interests of people affected by headache disorders.
5. Commitment to Integrity, Openness and Accountability
IHS believes in transparency and honesty, which will characterise all its activities and which are expected of its members and of those with whom it has dealing.
6. Importance of Membership
IHS recognises the importance of membership for the realisation of its objectives regardless of individuals’ expertise level or nationality.
How are we structured?
IHS was founded in 1982 and incorporated as a company in 1994. IHS became a registered charity in England and Wales (registered charity number 1042574) in 1995.
A Board of Directors, elected by IHS members every other year, and who are also the Trustees of the Charity, take responsibility for all its activities and funds. The Trustees comprise the President, the President-Elect, the Past-President, up to six Elected Trustees, and up to three Appointed Trustees. The Board can also co-opt Trustees to ensure diverse representation.
There are ten Standing Committees, ten Special Interest Groups and ad-hoc Task Forces, all with a specific remit. An Advisory Council meets once a year and is comprised of the Standing Committee and Special Interest Group Chairmen and the elected representatives of Affiliate Member Societies (national societies).
Our Members
IHS members are medical and healthcare practitioners (including such practitioners actively involved in scientific research) who are professionally engaged or involved in the study of headache disorders.
National headache societies are encouraged to join IHS as Affiliate Member Societies.
Associate Membership, enabling online access to the IHS official journal Cephalalgia, is available without payment of a fee to those who qualify for membership of the Society and are residents of countries on WHO’s Hinari list of developing countries.
Honorary Life Membership is offered to the IHS President on leaving the Board, and to recipients of Special Recognition Awards. Other Honorary Life Memberships are appointed by the Board on a case-by-case basis to individuals who are distinguished for clinical or research work in fields related to headache.
Special Recognition Awards are awarded to individuals who have contributed greatly to the Society. The awards are presented during the bi-ennial IHC Presidential Symposium, and include Honorary Life Membership.