Research Study Groups

EULAR Research Study Groups

EULAR study groups are established networks in their respective fields and play an active part in the research and treatment of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Below is an overview of the EULAR Research Study Groups. Each study group overview contains a description and links to further information. Scroll down for further information.

Focus groups in the area of musculoskeletal medicine may apply for EULAR endorsement and also for support through the EULAR Research Committee.

Microbiota and Mucosal Barrier Research in Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (EULAR MICMUC group)

The microbiota research field has evolved rapidly within the last five years now generating more than 100,000 “microbiota” search results on PubMed.gov in 2022. One of the main drivers underlying this expansive research field is the recent technical development.
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EULAR Study Group Syndemics in Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disease

The proposed EULAR Study Group (SG) aims to bring together a group of experts from all around the world, to study syndemics in Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs). A syndemic approach allows the evaluation of the interaction of two or more biological diseases in different socio-cultural situations and in the context of different medical care standards. It considers potential interactions and how these may impact on the health of individuals, communities, and societies (1, 2). The syndemic relationship between RMDs, sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities has been documented in vulnerable populations in Latin America (3). The study of syndemics in rheumatology using relevant analytical strategies is considered appropriate because of the complexity of RMDs (4).

Study Group Leader: Elena Nikiphorou. Consultant Rheumatologist, King’s College Hospital and Adjunct Senior Lecturer, King’s College London
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Biennial report 2022

EULAR Epidemiology and Registeries Study Group (formerly called: EULAR Study Group on Longitudinal Observational Registers and Drug Studies / EULAR Study Group on Registers and Observational Drug Studies)

The aim of this study group is to create a platform for methodological, logistic, and scientific collaboration across European rheumatological drug registers in order to maximise the potential use of the data collected within each register, to maximise the quality of the scientific outputs within and across registers, and to maximise the exchange of experiences across registers.

Specific study group aims:

To share experience and best practice across all interested European rheumatology drug registers, extending beyond established registers and beyond biologics registers, through provision of regular open meetings.
To create a mechanism for collaborative investigator-initiated project.
To provide the infrastructure to enable methods-development in collaborative analysis.

Coordinator and current members :
Lead: Axel Finckh (Switzerland), Johan Askling (Sweden, current coordinator), Will Dixon (UK), Kimme Hyrich (UK), Louise Mercer (UK), Joachim Listing (Germany), Angela Zink (Germany), Tore Kvien (Norway), Merete Hetland (Denmark), Piet van Riel (Netherlands), Robert Landewe (Netherlands), Loreto Carmona (Spain), Loza Estabaliz (Spain), Jakub Zavada (Check Republic), Kalle Altonen (Finland), Philippe Ravaud (France), Rotar Ziga (Slovenia),

The Study Group is open to anyone interested in collaborative efforts in the field of European rheumatology registers.
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Biennial report 2021
Congress poster 2019

EULAR Public Health in RMDs Study Group (ex. eumusc.net)

This Study Group evolved from the eumusc.net network of partners, a project supported by the EU and EULAR which completed its work in June 2013. The Study Group intends to continue and expand the work of the eumusc.net in view of promoting and enabling the highest standards of care in RMDs across Europe.
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Official website[*]
Congress poster 2019
Biennial report 2022

EULAR Big Data in RMDs Study Group

This study group evolved from the EULAR task force project on Big Data and mainly focuses on the use of Big Data / AI in the field of epidemiological and outcomes research (rather than omics or basic science big data).
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Biennial report 2022

EULAR study group on MHC-I-opathy

EULAR Study Group on Neuro Endocrine Immunology of the Rheumatic Diseases (NEIRD)

EULAR European Consensus Finding Study Group on Laboratory Investigation in Rheumatology (ECFSG)

EULAR Gene and Cell Therapy Study Group (GCTSG)

EULAR Synovitis Study Group (ESSG)

EULAR Study Group for Risk Factors for RA (SGRFRA)

EULAR Study Group on Capillaroscopy & Microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases

EULAR Study Group on OA (SGOA)

EULAR Study Group on Sjogren's Syndrome

[*]External link

Related Information

Application Form

In accordance with the EULAR Statutes, it is possible to apply for a title of a EULAR Study Group

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