ILAR partnerships (click to enlarge)
Rheumatic disease affects people from every spot on our globe. This links the practice of rheumatology together as one worldwide community working collectively to improve the lives of our patients. Being part of a large, international rheumatology network has long been appreciated by the ACR, where the spirit of connection with individuals and organizations to advance rheumatology has been an integral part of our culture.
The ACR Vision Statement speaks to our goal of continually advancing the specialty and the future of rheumatology. This guiding principle has no geographic boundaries and recognizes that, when working side by side, we can enhance care that benefits patients with rheumatic disease. Through committees, partnerships, projects and meetings, the ACR seeks to be an active and engaged member of the global rheumatology community.
- AFLAR—African League of Associations for Rheumatology;
- APLAR—Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology;
- EULAR—European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology;
- PANLAR—Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology; and
- ILAR—International League of Associations for Rheumatology.
ILAR
ILAR was established in 1927, and with the assistance of the ACR, it was reincorporated in 2007. Since that time, the ACR has served as the organization’s administrative office, including oversight of its finances, operations and programs. The ILAR Executive Committee consists of the presidents and presidents elect of its partner organizations, AFLAR, ACR, APLAR, EULAR and PANLAR. ILAR is committed to advancing rheumatology in developing countries and issues annual grants that lead to progress in the practice and education of rheumatology in countries where there is an exceptional need. This mission is supported by the ILAR journal, Clinical Rheumatology.
Research Exchange Program
The purpose of the Research Exchange Program is to promote the international exchange of research skills, expertise and knowledge within rheumatology. The program provides exposure to the work being done by colleagues around the world and creates opportunities for collaboration. The ACR selects candidates through an application process for exchange programs held in conjunction with EULAR and APLAR. The target audience is junior academic rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals pursuing rheumatology research. In conjunction with ACR Convergence 2025, the ACR will host research exchange scholars from EULAR, APLAR and PANLAR.
Collaborative Criteria Projects
Since 2005, the ACR and EULAR have jointly supported criteria projects that focus on areas presenting universal challenges to rheumatology (https://rheumatology.org/criteria). Through the Quality of Care Committee, the ACR has worked with EULAR to develop standardized tools for research related to rheumatic diseases. This international effort, bringing together experts from North America and Europe, has developed criteria in classification, risk stratification and disease response. Funding is provided by both the ACR and EULAR, with projects being selected through an annual call for proposals (https://rheumatology.org/call-for-criteria-proposals).
International Advisers
In 2023 the ACR established an International Adviser Network to increase awareness of ACR/ARP programs and opportunities that are available to the international rheumatology community. These advisers are the ACR’s local representatives around the world, engaging with international members and organizations, which informs development of the ACR’s global engagement activities. For more information about the International Advisers Network, contact [email protected].
Members of the ACR and EULAR leadership came together at EULAR 2025. (Click to enlarge.)
Global Webinar Series
The ACR Global Webinar Series is a virtual educational program designed for an international audience of rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals. The series highlights diverse healthcare systems and practices, promoting a comprehensive understanding of rheumatology on a global scale. The series includes:
- Global Meet the Experts offers challenging case-based discussions with top rheumatology experts who share their experiences and innovative care approaches.
- Global Journal Club facilitates the discussion of recent impactful articles in the field of rheumatology, fostering a global exchange of knowledge and ideas. The inaugural webinar took place in April 2025 and is available on demand, with the next program scheduled for September 2025.
Journals
The diverse authorship of publications in ACR journals reflects the scientific contributions to rheumatology that are being made in every country. Accepted articles not only provide insights that advance our knowledge about the mechanisms and treatment of rheumatic disease, but highlight other issues of shared importance across our specialty, including improving patient quality of life, access to care and growing the rheumatology workforce.
Global Research Exchange Program scholars visited the National Institutes of Health during ACR Convergence 2024. (Click to enlarge.)
ACR Convergence
We look forward to welcoming the worldwide rheumatology community to ACR Convergence 2025, to be held Oct. 24–29 in Chicago (https://rheumatology.org/annual-meeting). ACR Convergence provides attendees with opportunities to hear the latest research advances, receive education impacting clinical practice, and network with collaborators, colleagues and friends. In addition to its scientific sessions, ACR Convergence offers a range of programming, venues and activities directed toward global issues and of interest to international attendees.
Global Rheumatology Summit
The Global Rheumatology Summit is held in conjunction with ACR Convergence and provides a platform to highlight the international burden of rheumatic diseases, as well as the challenges and opportunities encountered in different health systems. The Summit seeks to create a space to bring rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals together from different countries to talk about topics that are of mutual relevance and concern.
The theme of this year’s Summit is Disease Management, highlighting the global economic impact on disease management, the importance of patient and public engagement, and diverse approaches to care. The 2025 program will be held on Friday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST through a virtual format, allowing attendees from around the world to participate.
Opening Session
The ACR Convergence 2025 opening session will be held on Oct. 25. Topics previously covered in the opening session by invited speakers have been areas of interest to the entire rheumatology community. The opening session is also where the ACR recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology through its awards, which include the ACR Masters and the Distinguished International Rheumatology Professional Award.
Convergence Global Networking
- Global Rheumatology Networking Reception
- Global Speed Mentoring Sessions—attended by mentees from the research exchange program and the 2025 Phil Robinson Global Scholars program.
International Membership
The ACR/ARP is proud to offer membership to physicians, researchers and rheumatology professionals from around the globe. Our international members represent almost 100 countries, providing their valuable knowledge and perspective on the current challenges facing the field of rheumatology. Further information on international membership can be found at https://rheumatology.org/international-membership.
Carol A. Langford, MD, MHS, is the director of the Center for Vasculitis Care and Research in the Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases at Cleveland Clinic, where she is professor of medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and holds the Harold C. Schott endowed chair in rheumatic and immunologic diseases.
