The Pan-American League of Associations for Rheumatology (PANLAR) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) are pleased to announce the opening of the application process for the 2026 ACR-PANLAR Research Exchange Program.

 

Program Overview

The purpose of this joint initiative is to promote the international exchange of clinical and research skills, expertise, and knowledge within the rheumatology field, while fostering career development for promising young academic rheumatologists.

This elite program recognizes outstanding rheumatology health professional faculty engaged in both laboratory and clinic-based research. It offers a unique opportunity to share experiences, gain exposure to cutting-edge research overseas, create lasting collaborative networks, and identify future leaders within both organizations.

Participants will attend half day exchange program workshop. Content will include a combination of didactic lectures, roundtable discussions, research presentations and interactions with senior investigators in small " Abstract Discussion Groups".

 

2026 Host Site & Logistics

Selected PANLAR participants will engage in a specialized international exchange before joining the premier ACR annual event:

• Host Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
• Research Exchange Dates: November 4–5, 2026.
• Travel Requirements: Participants will travel to Birmingham, Alabama, for the two-day intensive exchange program and site visit. Following the conclusion of the UAB exchange, participants will continue to Orlando, Florida, to attend ACR Convergence 2026.
• Benefits & Funding: The program provides complimentary meeting registration for ACR Convergence 2026. Additionally, PANLAR will provide up to USD2000 for travel stipend to assist with travel expenses, which will be processed via bank transfer following the conclusion of the event.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a member of a PANLAR Member Organization and a permanent resident of that country, certified by the Member Organization president.
• Hold a non-tenured faculty appointment (or equivalent, below full professor) at an academic center in a PANLAR member country.
• Have a minimum of 2 years of experience in Rheumatology or a relevant field, certified by the MNO President or Head of Institution.
• Be 45 years of age or under at the time of application. (Exceptions for career breaks/changes may be considered with a written explanation).

 

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Commitment to academic rheumatology (fellowships/scholarships).
• Research productivity (grants, lab/clinic investigation, current research program).
• Achievements and commitment to clinical rheumatology and publication record.
• Strength and relevance of the personal statement and letter of support.
• Potential for the program to advance the candidate's research and career.

 

Important Dates & Timeline

To effectively manage this joint initiative, applicants must strictly adhere to the following 2026 timeline:

• Applications Due: June 22, 2026
• Review Process: June 23 – June 30, 2026
• Notification of Selection: July 3rd, 2026
• Acceptance Deadline: July 10, 2026

 

Application Form

Please complete the following form and submit the requested documentation in English. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

https://forms.gle/Drz1ru3pc8za8ix58

 

 

 This program is made possible by contributions from the American College of Rheumatology and the Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology (PANLAR).