President’s Corner: ACR Initiatives Support Research at Every Level

Through the wide spectrum of this award portfolio, the Foundation supports training and research at all levels, from the earliest future rheumatologist to the most senior investigator. Since the Foundation’s inception, the ACR has remained a key contributor, providing financial support, which allows 100% of all donations made to the Foundation to go toward its mission. For 15 years, the Foundation has received a prestigious four-star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting this high level of fiscal responsibility in the conduct of its mission.

The longer I have known our Foundation, the deeper my respect for this organization has grown, as well as my awareness of how under-recognized its work is toward securing the future of rheumatology. I hope you will spend time learning more about the Foundation and join me in supporting its essential mission (https://www.rheumresearch.org).

Dissemination of Research Results

The plenary sessions at the ACR’s annual meeting present research on current topics. The first plenary session at ACR Convergence 2024 (pictured) included discussions of the SELECT-GCA trial, placebo response in PsA trials and more.

The ACR advances the dissemination of research findings through our three peer-reviewed journals. Arthritis & Rheumatology, Arthritis Care & Research and ACR Open Rheumatology are committed to promoting the highest standards of trusted scientific information within rheumatology and reach a wide international audience through which investigators can share their findings. During ACR Convergence, the ACR Committee on Journal Publications announced the selection of S. Louis Bridges Jr., MD, PhD, as the next editor in chief of Arthritis & Rheumatology. Dr. Bridges will extend the excellence and innovations established by the journal’s previous leaders, including current Editor-in-Chief Daniel Solomon, MD, MPH.

The other way, of course, that the ACR supports the dissemination of research results is through our meetings, which brings us full circle to ACR Convergence. At ACR Convergence 2024, 2,713 abstracts of original research were presented in plenary, late-breaking, concurrent and poster presentation sessions, as selected and organized by the abstract review teams within the Annual Meeting Planning Committee. This body of research represents a truly remarkable collection of scientific achievements made through the dedicated efforts of investigators from around the world. The ACR congratulates and thanks all of our abstract presenters for your contributions to rheumatology. We will continue to strive to be the place that you choose to bring your research results for presentation and discussion.