EMEUNET: Emerging EULAR Network

Editorial

 

Welcome to EMEUNET - Emerging Eular Network

We are delighted to introduce an exciting venture to start off 2010.

The background of this initiative emanates from one of the eight objectives set by EULAR for 2012 - "Bring on board high quality, young generation contributors in all EULAR activities."

This statement was seized upon as an opportunity to address educational needs and promote research interests of aspiring young academics through the creation and development of a Europe-wide network of young rheumatologists. Our mission statement reads: A EULAR working group of young clinicians and researchers in rheumatology: promoting education and research, widening collaborations and integrating with EULAR activities.

 

We targeted young rheumatologists from a wide range of countries already active in research and EULAR activities to form an executive committee to develop ideas and formulate a clear strategy for EMEUNET. We have tried to ensure as broad a representation of the EULAR countries as currently possible, although this is something that will improve further as this initiative continues to develop.

Our first meeting was held at EULAR 2009, Copenhagen, following which we sought approval for the EMEUNET venture at the EULAR Executive Committee meeting in September 2009; it was well-received and the go-ahead was given. Following an interim meeting at ACR, Philadelphia, several initiatives are now planned, the majority focusing on EULAR 2010 in Rome. Details are included using the links found on this page.

Central to the initiative is this website that will provide a platform for wider communication between young rheumatologists. Regular newsletters will be posted on the site, providing a wealth of information including educational highlights, exchange of information and ideas between young European rheumatologists, advertisement of research and job opportunities as well as grants and possible sabbaticals.

We hope EMEUNET is embraced by the young rheumatology community and more of you become involved in rheumatology education, research and EULAR. We envisage EMEUNET becoming a successful and influential resource over time that fosters new and long-term collaborative endeavours, maintaining and enhancing excellence in European Rheumatology and EULAR.

EMEUNET Steering Committee