The EULAR Global Fellowship Programme facilitates connections between delegates from ILAR member leagues and EULAR Centres of Excellence (CoEs) interested in hosting short-term educational visits of 2 to 6 weeks. Through this matchmaking process, the programme supports international collaboration, knowledge exchange, professional development and capacity building in rheumatology worldwide. Once a match has been made, all arrangements and activities related to the visit are coordinated directly between the delegate and the host Centre of Excellence.

Programme Objectives

The EULAR Global Fellowship Programme aims to:

• Enhance global collaboration by strengthening relationships between rheumatology professionals and institutions in ILAR member regions and Europe.
• Build capacity by equipping fellows with knowledge, skills and experience that can be transferred to their home institutions.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange through the sharing of best practices, innovative treatments and research methodologies.
• Strengthen professional networks and foster long-term international partnerships and collaborations.

EULAR's role is limited to facilitating introductions between delegates and host centres; the planning, funding, organisation and delivery of the visit are the responsibility of the delegate, their League and the host Centre of Excellence.

Who is the programme for?

The programme is intended for early-career rheumatologists, researchers and healthcare professionals from ILAR member regions who demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing rheumatology. Applicants must be resident in an ILAR member country, hold a relevant doctoral degree and an early-career academic position, be 40 years of age or younger at the time of application and demonstrate a clear commitment to academic rheumatology. Priority may be given to applicants from regions with limited access to rheumatology training opportunities or research infrastructure.

Application Process

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Step 1: League Review

Candidates apply through their ILAR member league.

Information for prospective candidates:

The League reviews and selects candidates, confirms funding arrangements, verifies the candidate's commitment to participate, and ensures that travel and visa arrangements can be organised. The League also identifies the candidate's areas of interest and any preferred CoE.

Step 2: Submission to EULAR

The League submits the candidate's application to EULAR for matching with a suitable host Centre of Excellence.

Submit Candidate Information

Step 3: Matching and Selection

If preferred CoEs have been identified by the candidate, the application is shared there first. If no preference is indicated, or if the preferred CoE is unable to host the candidate, EULAR will approach other suitable centres. EULAR matches candidates with a Centre of Excellence based on their interests and preferences.

Once selected, the host CoE assigns a mentor and provides a visa support letter, where required.

Step 4: Fellowship Placement

The CoE and the candidate agree on the visit dates and programme of activities.

Fellowships could typically include (but are not limited to):

• Clinical observation
• Research activities and collaboration
• Educational workshops and training opportunities
• Professional networking activities
• Participation in relevant scientific meetings and congresses
• Opportunities to present and discuss their work

At the end of the fellowship, participants submit a short report to EULAR and their League. Host centres are also invited to provide feedback on the fellowship experience. While the EULAR Global Fellowship Programme does not provide funding for fellowship visits, EULAR offers a range of research funding and career development opportunities (EULAR Research Funding | EULAR) for researchers and healthcare professionals. Applicants interested in support for research projects are encouraged to explore the available EULAR research grants and funding programmes.