The Country Liaison Sub-Committee is advancing a series of strategic initiatives for 2026 and beyond, aimed at strengthening engagement, visibility, leadership development, and cross-border collaboration within EMEUNET.
Key Upcoming Initiatives
- Expansion of the Country Liaison Topics Webinar Series
New nationally led sessions are planned for Portugal, Norway, and Italy in 2026, further consolidating local ownership of high-quality, internationally accessible education. - Country Liaison Survey – “The Role and Reach of EMEUNET Country Liaisons: Needs, Impact & Opportunities”
This structured assessment will evaluate how CLs operate at national level, measure their real-world impact, and identify opportunities for enhanced support, coordination, and collaboration. - CONNECT-RHEUM
A pan-European clinical and research mobility pathway for early-career rheumatologists, led by Country Liaisons. The initiative aims to facilitate structured international exchanges, expand networking opportunities, and promote equitable access to mobility across countries. - Country Liaison Recognition Award – “Most Active CL of the Year”
A formal recognition initiative to acknowledge outstanding engagement, innovation, and leadership within the CL network, reinforcing motivation and celebrating excellence.
Upcoming Activities at EULAR 2026
EULAR 2026 will be a pivotal moment for the Country Liaison Sub-Committee, featuring high-impact activities focused on leadership, networking, research collaboration, and knowledge dissemination.
Country Liaison Meeting
The annual Country Liaison Meeting will continue to serve as the central strategic forum for the CL network. Bringing together CLs, Advisory CLs, Sub-Committee members, and EMEUNET representatives, the session will combine structured updates with interactive discussion and forward planning for 2026–2027.
The meeting strengthens alignment across countries, reinforces the leadership role of CLs within EMEUNET, and promotes shared ownership of strategic priorities.
Research Speed-Dating
The EMEUNET Research Speed-Dating Session, supported by the CL Sub-Committee, will return as a dynamic networking platform connecting early-career researchers with senior investigators. The structured format facilitates focused exchanges that can lead to mentorship, multicentre collaborations, and new research initiatives.
Country Liaisons play a key role in promoting participation nationally and encouraging young investigators to engage with international opportunities.
Research Speed Dating at EULAR 2024
RheumaVision – Live Finals
RheumaVision 2026 will culminate in the live finals at EULAR, where six finalists — selected from 20 semifinalists — will present their short scientific videos. This year’s edition once again integrates contests from EMEUNET, PARE, and HPR, reinforcing interdisciplinary collaboration across EULAR pillars.
The winner will be determined through combined jury evaluation and audience voting, ensuring transparency and active community engagement. CLs remain instrumental in disseminating the call at national level and fostering broad participation.