The Academy was founded in 1955, with the object of searching for and promoting new knowledge in Aviation and Space Medicine and contributing to international co-operation and exchange of information among those devoted to education and research in this field.
Members of the Academy (referred to as ‘Academicians’) are selected for their merit, based on their outstanding contribution to Aviation and Space Medicine, regardless of nationality, race, creed, ideology, political belief or any other characteristic. Membership is limited to 275 with representation from leaders in the specialty from all the regions of the world. Inherent in its international nature the Academy thrives on its ability to create consensus. to provide authoritative advice and create equal opportunities for its members and to support advancement of the specialty. Thus it contributes to enhancing worldwide aviation safety.
The Academy is a non-profit organisation funded by membership dues and donations from its members and other entities in recognition of its philanthropic activities. None of the post holders receive remuneration for their work and all activities are entirely voluntary.
At least one annual Scholarship Award of up to US$20,000 is granted to support the education of a medical professional wishing to train in Aviation and Space Medicine who does not have access to funds with the aim of them subsequently supporting the development of the specialty in their home State.
The Academy has a Constitution which sets out its aims and structure and By-Laws that set out its operating procedures.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recognises the Academy as an International Non-Governmental Association and Academicians often advise Governments and aerospace medical organisations by means of publications and personal presentations. ICAO awarded the prestigious Edward Warner Award to the Academy in 2002 ‘in recognition of its eminent contribution to the development of international civil aviation through its significant achievements in aviation medicine’.
Presidents of IAASM
Dr. Francis N. KIMBAL (USA) 1955 - 1959
Dr Armand ROBERT (France) 1959 - 1961
Dr Robert GRANDPIERRE (France) 1961 - 1964
Dr Armand MERCIER (France) 1964 - 1966
Dr Jan H TILLISCH (USA) 1966 - 1968
Dr G Earle WIGHT (Canada) 1968 - 1971
Dr Andre ALLARD (Belgium) 1971 - 1973
Dr Charles BERRY (USA) 1973 - 1975
Dr E A LAUSCHNER (Germany) 1975 - 1977
Dr Kenneth G BERGIN (UK) 1977 - 1979
Dr Eugene LAFONTAINE (France) 1979 - 1981
Dr Earl CARTER (USA) 1981 - 1983
Dr Luis A AMEZCUA-GONZALES (Mexico) 1983 - 1985
Dr Antonio CASTELO-BRANCO (Portugal) 1985 - 1987
Dr N J NIEUWOUDT (South Africa) 1987 - 1989
Dr Jean LAVERNHE (France) 1989 - 1991
Dr Silvio FINKELSTEIN (Argentina) 1991 - 1993
Dr Stanley WHITE (USA) 1993 - 1995
Dr John ERNSTING (UK) 1995 - 1997
Dr Robert AUFFRET (France) 1997 - 1999
Dr Claude THIBEAULT (Canada) 1999 - 2001
Dr Ulf BALLDIN (USA/Sweden) 2001 – 2003
Dr. Eric DONALDSON (Australia) 2003 – 2005
Dr. Frank PETTYJOHN (USA) 2005 – 2007
Dr. Yehezkel CAINE (Israel) 2007 - 2009
Dr. Michael BERRY (USA) 2009 - 2011
Dr. Anthony BATCHELOR (UK) 2011 – 2013
Dr. Daniel B. LESTAGE (USA) 2013 – 2015
Dr. Jarnail SINGH (Singapore) 2015 – 2017
Dr. Melchor ANTUNANO (USA) 2017 - 2019
Dr. James VANDERPLOEG (USA) 2019 - 2022
Dr. David GRADWELL (UK) 2022 - 2024
Dr. Francisco Rios TEJADA (Spain) 2024 -
Secretary-Generals of IAASM
Dr Thomas H SUTHERLAND (USA) 1955 - 1956
Dr Frans de TAVEL (Switzerland) 1956 - 1958
Dr André ALLARD (Belgium) 1959 - 1970
Dr Eugene LAFONTAINE (France) 1970 - 1976
Dr Peter VAUGHAN (Canada) 1976 - 1980
Dr J GRAHAM (UK) 1980 - 1982
Dr Antoine SAINT-PIERRE (Canada) 1982 - 1988
Dr Claude THIBEAULT (Acting) (Canada) 1987 - 1988
Dr António CASTELO-BRANCO (Portugal) 1988 - 1992
Dr Leonard J THOMPSON (New Zealand 1992 - 1995
Dr Alexander G DAWSON (New Zealand) 1996 - 1998
Dr George TAKAHASHI (Canada) 1998 - 2004
Dr Claude THIBEAULT (Canada) 2004 - 2015
Dr Anthony EVANS (Canada) 2015 - 2021
Dr Sally EVANS (UK) 2021 -
