It is a privilege to serve as President of the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM) during such an important period for our field. Around the world, road trauma remains a major public health challenge, and the work of AAAM’s international and interdisciplinary community has never been more relevant.
One of the things I value most about AAAM is the way it brings together experts from diverse backgrounds — clinicians, engineers, scientists, epidemiologists, public health practitioners, and policymakers — who share a commitment to improving injury prevention and post-crash care. This collaborative spirit is one of our greatest strengths.
During my term, I hope to continue strengthening this sense of connection and shared purpose. I encourage members, particularly early-career professionals and those new to AAAM, to engage with our Committees, Special Interest Groups (SIGs), and scientific and educational activities. Your perspectives and contributions are essential to the future of our association.
My focus as President is on supporting AAAM’s continued growth as a globally respected, inclusive, and forward-looking scientific . In support of this vision, my key priorities include:
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Strengthening global engagement and partnerships, particularly with working in road safety, trauma care, and injury prevention.
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Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, that advances in automotive medicine require integration across science, engineering, clinical medicine, human factors, data science, and policy.
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Supporting knowledge translation and real-world impact, ensuring that AAAM research informs vehicle design, regulation, clinical practice, and transport safety policy.
AAAM is currently undertaking important work to redesign the AAAM website and launch a dedicated AIS website. These updates will improve usability, accessibility, and the overall member experience. I encourage members to explore the new platforms once launched and provide feedback to help us continue improving.
Looking ahead, we are also looking forward to AAAM’s 70th Annual Scientific Conference, which represents a significant milestone for the association. This conference will celebrate seven decades of leadership in automotive medicine while also focusing on emerging challenges and future directions in injury prevention and mobility safety.
The Annual Scientific Conference remains the cornerstone of AAAM’s scientific exchange. It provides a unique opportunity to share cutting-edge research, build collaborations, mentor the next generation of leaders, and strengthen our global professional community. I warmly encourage members to attend, present their work, and engage actively in discussions that will shape the future of our field.
Sjaan Koppel, PhD
President, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine
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