Chair: Erdal Sag
Education Subcommittee
Subcommittee lead: Raquel Marques
The aim of the Education Subcommittee is to improve the clinical and scientific knowledge among young pediatric rheumatologists and researchers working in the field of pediatric rheumatology. The Education Subcommittee aims to develop new educational opportunities (like webinars, courses, etc) but also by providing information about existing educational programs and funding opportunities (by PReS and other organizations). In the near future we hope to engage in several educational activities in order to tailor the educational content to the needs of young pediatric rheumatologists and researchers.
Research/WP Subcommittee
Subcommittee lead: Ezgi Deniz Batu
Basic/Translational Science lead: George Robinson
In the Research/WP subcommittee, we aim to stimulate research activities among young investigators and foster collaboration between young investigators and working parties of PReS. There is at least one EMERGE representative in each working party who updates EMERGE about the activities of WPs. Active contribution and attendance of EMERGE members to WP activities will boost the careers of young investigators and improve the functioning of our society. As EMERGE, we conduct research projects (previous publication doi: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2020.09.008) and would like to include young investigators as co-authors. We have recently made an open call to all EMERGE members to join a survey study that we planned to analyze changes introduced to the pediatric rheumatology practice by the COVID-19 pandemic. We now have both a clinical and basic/translational science representative in the subcommittee to reach a wider research community through the grant opportunities and research projects run through EMERGE.
Peer Review Mentoring Subcommittee
Subcommittee co-leads: Anita Dhanrajani and Stephanie Shoop-Worrall
The peer-review mentoring subgroup addresses a training gap in critically appraising scientific literature for early-career researchers in paediatric and adolescent rheumatology. Partnering with leading paediatric rheumatology journals and academics, the subgroups provides tailored, interactive peer-review training across a broad range of topics in the field. Those joining this subgroup’s initiatives can expect to be upskilled in critical appraisal, academic writing and communication, as well as knowledge of the peer-review process. We are seeking enthusiastic subgroup committee members interested in evidence-based medicine, developing relationships with journal editors, and facilitating key training for early-career paediatric rheumatology researchers.
Social Media & Visibility Subcommittee
Subcommittee co-leads: Hanna Lythoge and Shabnam Singhal
The social media & visibility subcommittee oversees the EMERGE membership list, facilitating regular contact with members through our social media presence on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter as well as via email with regular newsletters throughout the year. We welcome members from all different backgrounds within paediatric rheumatology and respond to queries from members and colleagues interested in EMERGE initiatives through our email account.
Health Professionals Subcommittee
Subcommittee lead: Nilay Arman
In the Health Professionals Subcommittee, we aim to help improve communication between health professionals and medical doctors, strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation and contribute to the organization of training for health professionals, and facilitate health professionals' access to project opportunities in the field of pediatric rheumatology. The first step in the goal to achieve all these would be for health professionals in pediatric rheumatology to strengthen the dedicated community of practice where health professionals in pediatric rheumatology can connect to a network, exchange knowledge and skills and find resources to achieve a high standard of care for all the mentioned different disciplines, in line with the mission of PReS 2025. Future goals would include contributing to raising awareness among health professionals about scientific and technological innovations by focusing on digital innovation in pediatric rheumatology and also leading them to take it further.
Global Affairs and Country Liaison Subcommittee
Subcommittee lead: Sonia Melo-Gomes
The Global affairs and country liaison subcommittee aims to turn EMERGE into a truly global community with active members throughout Europe and all over the world. Country liaisons will establish a bridge between EMERGE and local scientific and patient societies as well as disseminate our initiatives. Together as a team we will strive to strengthen the relationship between EMERGE and other groups such as CARRA, EMEUNET, ENCA and other paediatric societies through close collaborations and developing joint initiatives.
