Last week, the ERN RITA General Assembly took place in Utrecht, bringing together members from across the network to review the past year’s accomplishments and chart a course for the future. The event was filled with productive discussions, meaningful collaborations, and the introduction of several exciting new initiatives. Below is a detailed overview of the two-day program.
One of the key highlights of the General Assembly was the launch of the RITA Junior Task Force, created to engage younger members of the network and encourage fresh perspectives in research and clinical practice. This initiative, which was introduced during a parallel session, generated significant interest and will play an essential role in ERN RITA’s future activities.
Another important milestone announced during the event was the implementation of the RITA Directory, an essential tool for improving internal communication and collaboration among members. The Directory is now live and can be accessed through the ‘Members’ section of the ERN RITA website. Members are encouraged to review and update their personal details to ensure seamless collaboration.
The General Assembly also featured a detailed presentation on the RITA Registry, which promises to be a crucial resource for gathering and analyzing patient data across the network.
The event also offered a series of dynamic workshops and sessions covering a wide range of topics such as Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), the new CPMS platform, molecular testing, and education and training initiatives. Each stream gathered to review progress, share insights, and explore opportunities for collaboration, helping to define ERN RITA’s priorities for the coming years.
The General Assembly was also a chance to give a big thank you to Nico Wulffraat for his leadership, as he steped down from his role as coordinator, now succeeded by Joost Swart. We also reminded the network that Carine Wouters is leaving her position as Stream Lead for Pediatric Rheumatology, and we are currently seeking a new lead to fill this important role.
