About the International Scleroderma Workshop

The International Workshop on Scleroderma Research is a 4-day research meeting centered on translational medicine related to systemic sclerosis (SSc). The Workshop, held biennially, focuses on basic and translational research related to pathogenesis of SSc. Since its inception in 1990, the Workshop has grown from 29 attendees in its first year to a consistent attendance of over 250 individuals over the last several workshops. It is the largest international meeting devoted to presentations and discussion about pathogenic mechanisms in SSc. The Workshop draws participants from academic centers from throughout the world, as well as individuals involved in basic research and drug development in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The University of Pittsburgh and University College London (Royal Free Hospital) share hosting duties, with locations alternating between Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Cambridge, UK.

The next Workshop will be the 15th biennial meeting. Sessions in the 15th Workshop will cover the spectrum of topics related to SSc pathogenesis, including vascular biology, fibroblast biology, genetics and immunology. In addition, keynote speakers will address a wide range of topics in basic biological sciences that apply to understanding SSc pathogenesis. The meeting will also include presentations in areas key to making advances in clinical research in SSc, this section of the meeting planned with input from the Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium and typically attended and presented by thought leaders in SSc clinical trials and SSc associated clinical complications, such as pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Abstracts will be solicited and scored with travel awards provided to and oral presentations given by top scoring young investigators.

The 15th Workshop will be organized by the Scleroderma Center at the University of Pittsburgh, with help from the Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Disorders at University College London (Royal Free Hospital Campus), and will be held at the University of Pittsburgh.  The Scientific Committee includes a broad array of international scientists with expertise in the various pathogenic pathways and complications of the disease. Based on past success we anticipate another highly successful meeting.

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The League of Extraordinary Conference Coordinators ~ From left:  Pam, Millie and Kim from University College London; Kate from BU.  A combined 54 years of experience in the Scleroderma Workshop business!