EULAR News Story

EULAR launches new service to provide expert research advice for translational science investigators across Europe

About the EULAR Consultation Service

In addition to the already established Clinical Research Support, the EULAR Translational Research Support will be offered through the newly created EULAR Virtual Research Centre (VRC) and is designed to help investigators develop and execute high-quality translational research focused on rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). The focus is on translational research that involves the use of patient/human materials (e.g., cells, serum, tissue) or dedicated models of RMDs to address bedside-to-bench research questions.

Investigators can get expert advice on a range of questions related to study design and protocol development, accessing patient/human materials, and using methods and technologies to perform translational science-related analyses such as biomarker testing. Applicants will be matched with consultants who are successful and highly experienced investigators with experience in the area of need.

“People with RMDs will benefit most from the exciting revolution in molecular medicine that is currently taking place if new ideas can be rapidly and effectively translated into the clinic – this exciting new initiative from EULAR will hasten this process.”

EULAR President Professor Dr. Iain B. McInnes

The service will be available to investigators who are currently resident and working in EULAR-affiliated countries. “We hope to reach investigators with diverse backgrounds that may currently be underrepresented in RMD research to help them realize their research ideas,” remarked Professor Rik Lories, KU Leuven, Belgium, who is currently developing this service for EULAR in close collaboration with the EULAR VRC team.

 

“We hope to reach investigators with diverse backgrounds that may currently be underrepresented in RMD research to help them realize their research ideas.”

Professor Rik Lories, member of the VRC leadership team

 

How to request the service and cost

Investigators can view the service areas online and request a consultation by filling out a brief request form.

For the first two years after the launch, these services will be provided without charge. Some limitations of use and number of projects per individual applicant principal investigator will be applied in this period to ensure a fair use policy.

Questions can be addressed to the EULAR VRC team at research@eular.org.