EULAR proudly maintains a prestigious registry of Europe’s leading research institutions in rheumatology, united by a shared mission to advance the science of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Recognised as Centres of Excellence, these institutions form a network dedicated to pioneering innovative research, mentoring future scientific leaders, and contributing to health policy development across Europe.

The Centres of Excellence programme is designed to:

• Foster collaboration among leading research centres to advance innovative rheumatological research.
• Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise through fellowships and joint research projects.
• Strengthen advocacy efforts and ensure research alignment with the European Union in Brussels.

Each Centre of Excellence is recognised for a period of five years, with the designation running from June to June, after which a centre may reapply to maintain its standard of excellence.

The call is open from 8 January to 12 March 2025.

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Benefits for recognised Centres of Excellence

The designation as a EULAR Centre of Excellence offers a range of significant benefits:

• It confers a prestigious five-year distinction, recognising the centre’s commitment to advancing rheumatology research.
• This distinction enhances the centre’s visibility and international reputation, increasing opportunities for networking with other top-tier research institutions across Europe.
• It facilitates collaborative research projects, creating platforms for innovation and shared knowledge.
• Centres gain opportunities for networking, visibility, promotion, and collaboration.

Requirements to become a Centre of Excellence

The new requirements (valid from 2025 onwards) to achieve Centre of Excellence status include:

• Submission of a motivation letter including:
  • The ten most important publications from the centre in the past five years, highlighting its contributions to breakthroughs in RMD research.
  • Details of the centre’s efforts to disseminate and implement research findings throughout EULAR countries.
• Evidence of an established commitment and ability to collaborate with other research groups and centres across Europe, demonstrated through shared publications, joint grant proposals, or scientific personnel exchanges.
• A description of the centre’s current programme for patient engagement in research.
• Meeting the required Impact Factor threshold (>400 points accumulated over the last five years for original publications).

Each centre receiving the designation is expected to collaborate with other centres, particularly in underserved EULAR countries, to enhance their research capacity. Centres are also expected to actively participate in EULAR Research Initiatives and contribute to major EULAR Research Centre projects.

The selected centres will receive the award during the EULAR Congress and will be presented with a high-quality metal plaque for display at their centre. Additionally, two guests from each centre will be invited to the annual Centres of Excellence reception during the EULAR Congress.

Application Process

Application Period

• The next call for applications will be open from 8 January to 12 March 2025. During this time, new applicants can submit their applications for consideration.
• New applicants and existing Centres of Excellence whose mandates expire in June 2025 are encouraged to apply.

Review Process

• Upon receipt of applications, a thorough review process will be conducted to ensure all submissions meet the required standards.
• Centres that satisfy the established criteria will be granted the title of Centre of Excellence.

Announcement of Results

• The selected centres will be contacted by the EULAR Office in Spring 2025.
• An award ceremony will take place during the EULAR Congress 2025, where successful centres will receive their designation for a five-year period starting from June 2025.

List of EULAR Centres of Excellence in Rheumatology Research Winners

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