EULAR

The annual EULAR congresses which began in 2000 are today a major event in the calendar of world rheumatology. The meeting will again provide a unique occasion for the exchange of scientific and clinical information. It should facilitate interaction between patients, medical doctors, scientists, health professionals and professionals representing the pharmaceutical industry both from Europe and from around the world. You are certainly aware that participating in the congress is just one element of the annual educational package provided by EULAR. Thus in addition, the participants will have the opportunity to watch virtually all oral presentations through electronic capture and will be provided with a complimentary one-year access to the newest developments and publications in the field of RMDs.

EULAR has grown rapidly in terms of the number of participants and the quality of the submissions. Thus, more than 4,300 abstracts were submitted to the most recent congress in Rome and more than 195 sessions and poster tours were offered. This enormous success reflects the ever increasing interest in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) which has been seen in most societies and is now recognized also by the EU. It also reflects the availability of increased information on the size, burden and cost of these diseases for society, and a significantly improved ability to diagnose and treat them. The incorporation of health professional and patient organisations within EULAR has been a considerable stimulus for these advances.

The EULAR Congress 2016 in London will once again provide a wide range of topics including clinical innovations, clinical translational and basic science. In addition there will be significant contributions made by People with Arthritis and Rheumatism (PARE), by Health Professionals in Rheumatology (HPR) and by the health care industry.