Josephine Norquist, MS
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.

Hello everyone and welcome to 2024. I am honored and thrilled to be your ISOQOL President for the next two years. We have so much ahead of us as we work hard to continue to implement our Vision and Mission.

As part of this work, ISOQOL will start to execute our new strategic plan for the next four years, which was announced at the Annual Conference last year in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. You can find the plan here for your review.

Our strategic plan is more than a document; it is a commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. As we navigate the complex landscape of healthcare, the importance of our mission and vision becomes more pronounced: to advance the science of health-related quality of life (HRQL) and its applications to improve the health and well-being of individuals. With the invaluable insights from our members and stakeholders, the ISOQOL Board of Directors, staff, and 2B Communications and Strategy Group have meticulously crafted a 4-year strategic plan that reflects our collective aspirations and commitment to making meaningful impacts.

With this plan, ISOQOL aims to ensure its programs and activities maintain an appropriate balance between our three primary areas of HRQL research of methods, theory, and application, and to be a member-centric and informed organization that meets the needs of its diverse membership. The plan is designed with four strategic pillars to advance HRQL research and provide optimal value to ISOQOL members.

Key Pillars of our Strategic Plan

  1. Impact:

To advance the field of HRQL research. Over the next four years, we will intensify our efforts to foster research excellence by raising awareness for patient-centered outcomes research, partnering with like-minded organizations, and providing more opportunities for knowledge exchange. Through targeted initiatives, we aim to be at the forefront of generating and disseminating educational resources in the field.

  1. Relevance:

To recognize the diverse perspectives that enrich our community, we will actively work to be the leading professional organization for scientists, practitioners, and advocates who are advancing quality of life science. By providing members with valued opportunities for research, a premier international conference, and high-quality educational opportunities, we aspire to create a vibrant network of members and to meet your needs and expectations.

  1. Engagement:

To create a dynamic and inclusive space for our Special Interest Groups and other member groups, where ideas flourish and connections thrive. We will improve group structures and strengthen leadership, operation, and technology support to enhance the quality of our resources and facilitate collaboration and engagement among our members.

  1. Organizational Excellence:

To achieve organizational excellence and long-term sustainability, resilience, and strategic growth. A robust and dynamic organization is essential for advancing our mission and vision effectively. Over the next four years, we are committed to enhancing the internal structure of ISOQOL, which is a critical component for a successful long-term application of our strategic plan.

As we embark on this journey together, I thank you for your contributions and commitment to ISOQOL. Together, we will cultivate an environment where every member feels valued as we work to increase awareness, expand outreach, and advance quality of life science.

This newsletter editorial represents the views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of ISOQOL. 

How to Submit a Newsletter Editorial
Do you have something to share about health related quality of life and patient-centered outcomes? We want to hear from you!
Learn More

The International Society for Quality of Life Research (ISOQOL) is a global community of researchers, clinicians, health care professionals, industry professionals, consultants, and patient research partners advancing health related quality of life research (HRQL).

Together, we are creating a future in which patient perspective is integral to health research, care and policy.