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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unpublished work on “Regulation of Auto-Inflammatory Responses” with a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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