Welcome to the Inflammation Research Association!

Welcome to the web site of the Inflammation Research Association, the IRA! This non-profit association was founded over 40 years ago to facilitate the interaction of scientists at all levels, who share 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 16th International Conference of the IRA, the new Officers and Board of the IRA were installed. They include Arpita Maiti (Vice-President), Lisa Schopf (Secretary), Joel Tocker (Treasurer), and Board of Director members Jane Connor, John Somerville, Annalisa D’Andrea, Chris Stevenson, Karl Nocka, Caralee Schaefer, Larry de Garavilla, Matteo Levisetti, Liwu Li, and William Westlin. This group is in the midst of planning regional meetings and our 17th International Conference in 2012, as well as a session at the IAIS 11th World Congress on Inflammation in 2013. 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 16th 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. The Keynote Lecture was delivered by Dr. Siamon Gordon, a preeminent authority on macrophage biology, who gave an outstanding talk titled “The Versatile Macrophage: Receptors and Inflammation.” At the conclusion of his presentation, Dr. Gordon was presented with a plaque from the IRA honoring him for his “Significant Contributions to Inflammation Research and His Exemplary Demonstration of Scientific Leadership.” This was followed by a wine and cheese reception in his honor, one of several social events planned during the meeting that facilitate 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 17th 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 11th World Congress on Inflammation” in Natal, Brazil on September 21-25, 2013. 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 our 2010-2012 term. If you are interested in helping to organize a regional meeting, plan the International Conference 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,
Andy Glasebrook, PhD
President, Inflammation Research Association
president@inflammationresearch.org

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