Welcome to the Inflammation Research Association!

Welcome to the web site of the Inflammation Research Association, the IRA! This non-profit association was founded almost 40 years ago to facilitate the interaction of scientists at all levels, who have a common interest in inflammation research. The IRA includes members from academia, industry, and the clinic. It is a wholly volunteer organization that depends entirely on its membership to accomplish its goals.

Unlike most professional organizations, membership in the IRA is free! Through this web site, members can access the membership list to contact other inflammation scientists, receive up-to-date information on upcoming IRA-sanctioned meetings and events, examine the abstracts and reports from past meetings, and link to other inflammation sites of interest. More useful tools for this website are planned, to facilitate the careers and opportunities for our members.

At the recent 15th International Conference of the IRA, the new Officers and Board of the IRA were installed. They include Andy Glasebrook (Vice-President), Joel Tocker (Secretary), Arpita Maiti (Treasurer), and Board of Director members Brydon Bennett, Jane Conner, Jim Ellis, Liwu Li, Tineke Meijers, Lisa Olson, Lisa Schopf, Bill Selig, Bruce Tomczuk, and Craig Wegner. This group is in the midst of planning several regional meetings for 2009, a session at the IAIS 9th World Congress on Inflammation, in Tokyo in 2009, and our 16th International Conference in 2010. Please visit this website often and use the MEETINGS tab to check on the status of these upcoming topical meetings.

The IRA just successfully completed hosting its 15th International Conference at the Westfield’s Marriott in Chantilly, Virginia. As usual, the conference contained both applied and basic science presented by a mix of excellent industry and academic speakers. Our Keynote speaker, Diane Mathis, gave an outstanding talk where she presented her unpublished work on “Regulation of Auto-Inflammatory Responses” with a specific focus on obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. Dr. Mathis was also recognized by the IRA for her “Significant Contributions to Inflammation Research and Her Exemplary Demonstration of Scientific Leadership.” Several social events facilitated the unique networking opportunities for which the IRA meetings have become known.

The IRA has dedicated significant efforts to mentoring new investigators at several of its past meetings and this one was no different. Several activities were organized where “seasoned“ investigators from both industry and academia shared their experiences and advice with the new investigators, providing mentoring on career choices, opportunities, and scientific direction in inflammation science. These activities not only helped the new investigators, but also provided added insight to the more experienced investigators. It was an interesting and fun networking time for all!

For the next two years your new Board will be working to develop the efficiency of the IRA as an organization, and to institute appropriate changes in the organization that will insure the continuation of the IRA’s mission and success, especially during this time of heightened competition for scientific interest and resources. We will be planning both regional meetings and our 16th International Conference, expanding member services available through our website, and maintaining the financial strength of the organization.

The IRA is a founding member of the International Association of Inflammation Societies (IAIS) which promotes inflammation research worldwide. The IAIS will hold its next biennial meeting, “The 9th World Congress on Inflammation” in Tokyo Japan on July 6-10, 2009. The IRA will sponsor a symposia session at this meeting.

On behalf of the IRA Board and membership, I welcome you to join our association if you have not already done so (remember, it is free). It is a dynamic and fun mix of individuals that keeps you looking forward to the next opportunity to get together. We look forward to your participation as members during the 2008-2010 term. If you are interested in helping to organize a meeting or to work with the Board, volunteers are always welcome. Just drop an Officer or Board member an email (click on “Officers/Board of Directors”) and we will help you to participate in the organization.

Sincerely yours,

John Somerville
President, Inflammation Research Association
john.e.somerville@bms.com

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