Dear Members, Colleagues, and Visitors:

What a time it is to be involved in inflammation research! In the midst of a global pandemic, we witness the horrific consequences of an emergent novel virus where the only certainty is the devastation it leaves in its wake. We are both relieved and excited by the recent distribution of efficacious vaccines developed by our peers across the globe. As inflammation researchers, drug developers and physicians, our collective knowledge, skills and expertise have never been more critically needed. On behalf of the Inflammation Research Association (IRA), I want to extend a warm welcome to all of you.

Just over 50 years ago, the IRA was founded with the singular goal of promoting greater collaboration and collegiality among scientists working in inflammation research. The IRA membership includes highly motivated and knowledgeable scientists from academic institutions, pharmaceutical and biomedical companies, and from clinical practice, representing bench to bedside and ensuring we remain at the cutting edge of inflammation research. The IRA is a 100% volunteer-run, nonprofit organization, its membership a community of experts serving, discovering, promoting and advancing new therapeutic strategies to treat inflammation-related diseases. The scientific and technological discussions between our members remain fundamental to the discovery and development of new therapies for the expansive scope of inflammation-related indications. We deeply value the active participation and contributions from all our members, and we welcome new members at all stages of their career.

Like many scientific organizations, the IRA is adapting to the rapidly changing world around us – the COVID-19 pandemic, the breakneck pace of scientific progress, maintaining our relevance to a new generation of inflammation scientists, and the ever-shrinking pool of resources available to nonprofits like ourselves. At the IRA, we see this as a unique opportunity to rejuvenate the organization and our membership. We remain committed to bringing together researchers, clinicians and advocacy groups across the field of inflammation to advance the research and treatment of inflammation-related diseases. Indeed, in this strangest of years, 2020 marked the 50th anniversary of the IRA. This important milestone for our organization will be celebrated during our 21st International Conference, postponed to October 15-18, 2023 at The Elizabeth Hotel in Fort Collins, CO.

The 21st International Conference will provide a unique opportunity for networking, educational and scientific collaboration for academic, clinical, government, and industry professionals interested in inflammation research. Our conference will commence with a presentation from our distinguished keynote speaker, Dr. Jo Viney, PhD, President & CSO of Pandion Therapeutics. The Scientific Program will include high profile speakers presenting groundbreaking advances in both basic science research and clinical studies, and the always inspiring patient perspectives. We look forward to seeing you all in October 2023 – in person!

On behalf of the officers and board of directors of the Inflammation Research Association, we sincerely appreciate your continued support and active participation.

Caralee Schaefer, Ph.D.
President, Inflammation Research Association
president@inflammationresearch.org