Dear OARSI Colleagues,
As the summer comes to a close for many of us (winter in Australia/New Zealand) and we
transition into the fall (spring in Australia/New Zealand), I want to take a moment to reflect on
our society's recent highlights and share key upcoming milestones for our global community.
Summer Science Highlights
This summer was filled with vital scientific exchange, highlighted by the Gordon Research
Conference (GRC) and Seminar on Musculoskeletal Biology and Bioengineering in Andover, New Hampshire. It was inspiring to see so many OARSI Early Career Investigators taking the stage to deliver exceptional oral presentations, sharing novel findings, and sparking cross-disciplinary dialogues that drive our field forward. The energy and caliber of research presented by our early-career members reaffirm that the future of osteoarthritis science is in exceptionally capable hands.
Also, the International Workshop on Osteoarthritis Imaging (IWOAI) was held in Munich,
Germany. I was told it was a great meeting with many novel AI applications for imaging for OA
presented. Although the temperature was quite warm, the meeting received high marks and I
hope many of you were able to attend.
As OARSI prepares to chart its path forward, we are developing a new strategic plan to establish
a clear, forward-looking roadmap to strengthen the society’s global leadership in osteoarthritis
research, prevention, and clinical care. By realigning its core priorities around scientific
innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, expanded international engagement, and career
advancement for junior/young investigators the updated strategy will empower the society to
accelerate breakthrough research and discovery of novel therapeutics. We hope to have the
plan available for the OARSI membership before the end of the calendar year.
In addition, we are working on improving our social media footprint so we can help our
members get their research discoveries out for the world to know about. We will update the
members as this initiative evolves.
Looking Ahead: OARSI 2027 World Congress in Barcelona
As we look to the fall, our focus turns toward preparing for our next flagship gathering:
the 2027 OARSI World Congress, taking place April 1–4, 2027, in Barcelona, Spain, under the
theme "Advancing Knowledge in Osteoarthritis Care: Inspiring Change."
To that end, I am pleased to share that the online abstract submission portal opened on
August 17, 2026. I strongly encourage researchers at all career stages—from our emerging
investigators to senior leaders—to submit their latest data and join us in shaping a world-class
scientific program.
- Abstract Submission Opens: August 17, 2026
- Abstract Submission Deadline: October 21, 2026
- Status Notifications Sent: December 2026
The OARSI Executive Committee is busy raising funds to help support Early Career Investigators
traveling to the meeting in Barcelona. Watch for additional details coming soon. We also
encourage any members that would like to contribute to this fund to contact Elizabeth Grotos
at egrotos@oarsi.org.
Thank you all for your continued dedication to accelerating discoveries and improving care for
individuals living with osteoarthritis worldwide. I look forward to reading your submissions and
seeing our community gather again soon.
Warm regards,
Nancy E. Lane, MD
President, Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI)