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New scientific fellowship program launched for psoriatic arthritis research  

Posted: 18 November 2016 | Niamh Louise Marriott, Digital Content Producer | No comments yet

Five European research institutions have come together in recognition of the need to advance knowledge on the pathophysiology of psoriatic arthritis…

Five European research institutions have come together to launch the PARTNER Psoriatic Arthritis Network Fellowship Program in recognition of the need to advance knowledge on the pathophysiology of psoriatic arthritis and to gain a better understanding of the specific molecular processes and clinical features of the disease. 

The host institutions include the Universities of Erlangen-Nuremberg (Germany), Glasgow (UK), Leeds (UK), Leuven (Belgium) and Paris Quest-Versailles Saint Quentin en Yveline (France), which are dedicated to psoriatic arthritis research and education.

Professor Georg Schett, University Erlangen-Nuremberg said: “Psoriatic arthritis is a complex disease which can have a debilitating impact on those who suffer from this condition. It is distinct from other forms of arthritis and the lack of dedicated research into this disease makes diagnosis and management challenging.” 

Difficult diagnosis

Diagnosing psoriatic arthritis can be a tricky process because its symptoms frequently mimic those of other forms of inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. It can also be confused with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.

A better understanding through dedicated research will improve the diagnosis, monitoring and management of this condition.

“The PARTNER program encourages investigators to engage in clinical and basic research in psoriatic arthritis and come together to build a network of research excellence in psoriatic arthritis. This fellowship provides the right environment for the next generation of experts in this field to start their psoriatic arthritis research and benefit from exceptional teaching in this therapy area,” Schett concluded.

One year project

Fellowships will be granted to allow a one-year stay in one of the host institutions to accomplish a research project orientated to psoriatic arthritis.

psoriatic-arthritis

Want to be involved?

Project applications need to be submitted to the PARTNER Fellowship Office by December 1st, 2016.

Interested applicants can submit their application online and find out more information here

Psoriatic arthritis affects up to 40% of people who are living with psoriasis and can often go undiagnosed, thus leading to significant disability.

The PARTNER program is supported by Celgene, through the attribution of an educational grant.

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