EULAR 2026 Highlights the Power of Collaboration in Rheumatology Research Across our HEALTH Innovation Ecosystem
EULAR 2026, the largest European congress in rheumatology, once again served as a leading global meeting point for researchers, clinicians, patient representatives, policymakers, and industry leaders working to advance care and innovation in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
For the EURICE Group’s HEALTH innovation ecosystem, the congress provided an important opportunity to showcase innovative European research, strengthen strategic partnerships, and foster collaboration across projects addressing arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and related autoimmune diseases.
Showcasing Innovation Across the Health Innovation Ecosystem
Several projects of the ecosystem were represented at EULAR 2026, highlighting the breadth of European research efforts in rheumatology. HIPPOCRATES, AutoPiX, PerPrev-CID, SINPAIN, and 3TR engaged with the international rheumatology community through scientific sessions, networking activities, and dedicated exhibition booths. Their work spans disease prediction and prevention, biomarker discovery, patient-centred research, and innovative approaches to understanding chronic inflammation and immune-mediated diseases.
Echoing a key theme of the congress, many of the initiatives showcased approaches that place patients and patient organisations at the centre of research and innovation activities. Through patient involvement, co-creation activities, and stakeholder engagement, these initiatives contribute to ensuring that research outcomes remain relevant, meaningful, and responsive to the needs of people living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
Together, these EU-funded projects demonstrate the value of a connected research ecosystem in accelerating innovation and improving outcomes for people living with rheumatic and autoimmune diseases.
"What stood out at EULAR 2026 was the collective commitment across Europe to move beyond individual projects and work together towards common goals. With our ecosystem, we connect projects, stakeholders, and expertise across the research continuum to accelerate innovation and impact. The participation of HIPPOCRATES, AutoPiX, PerPrev-CID, SINPAIN, and 3TR, alongside the REACT Network stakeholder meeting, demonstrated the growing momentum towards more collaborative and patient-centred research in rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. Meaningful stakeholder engagement and patient involvement are essential to ensuring that research remains connected to real-world needs and delivers lasting value for patients, healthcare systems, and society."
Yuliia Hornitska, Senior Research and Impact Manager and Portfolio Manager Health, EURICE Group
Strengthening Collaboration Through the REACT Network
A highlight of the congress was a stakeholder engagement meeting organised through the REACT Network, which brings together eleven EU-funded projects working across rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. Representatives from 3TR, AutoPiX, HIPPOCRATES, PerPrev-CID, SINPAIN, DarkMatter, MDR-RA, PROBE, SPIDeRR, SQUEEZE, and STRATA-FIT met to exchange experiences and identify opportunities for collaboration in stakeholder engagement and patient involvement. Discussions focused on the effective engagement of patients, healthcare professionals, policymakers, regulators, and industry representatives throughout the research lifecycle.
The meeting highlighted common challenges and shared best practices, reinforcing the importance of collaboration beyond individual projects. By creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and joint learning, the REACT Network contributes to a stronger and more connected European research landscape.
EULAR 2026 demonstrated that progress in rheumatology depends not only on scientific excellence but also on effective collaboration, meaningful stakeholder engagement, and strong connections between research, innovation, policy, and practice.
