OMERACT 2025 PRP Application

---

This application process is designed to select Patient Research Partners (PRPs) for in-person attendance at the OMERACT 2025 conference. OMERACT 2025 is scheduled to take place May 14-18, 2025, in Antalya, Turkey.  It aims to ensure equitable access for PRPs from diverse backgrounds, disease representations, and geographic locations, fostering transparency and accountability in the selection process. Please include in your application letter as many of these criteria that pertain to your experience as a PRP. 

“An OMERACT PRP is an individual who has lived experience with a rheumatic or musculoskeletal condition and actively participates within OMERACT. Their role is to infuse the research process with their unique PRP perspective, ensuring that OMERACT's initiatives are truly patient centered, addressing real-world concerns and enhancing the relevance of outcomes. By collaborating alongside researchers, clinicians, and other collaborators & partners, OMERACT PRPs play a pivotal role in shaping research that resonates with the needs and experiences of PRPs.”

We welcome a diverse range of applicants for participation, recognizing that prospective PRPs may vary from seasoned OMERACT veterans to those newly embarking on their journey.

  1. Demonstrated PRP Experience:

· Applicants should demonstrate a history of active involvement as a PRP in research projects, particularly in areas relevant to rheumatology or patient-centered research. These can be within, or outside of OMERACT.

· Experience in collaborating with research teams, contributing to study design, data interpretation, or dissemination of results is highly valued.

2. Alignment with the OMERACT Objectives:

· Applicants are expected to embrace and work within the Spirit of OMERACT.

· A clear expression of how the applicant’s work and perspective supports the goals of OMERACT 

3. Motivation and Impact:

· A strong personal drive to contribute to OMERACT’s initiatives, coupled with a clear vision of how attending the conference could enhance your effectiveness as a PRP in the wider community.  

4. Endorsement through a Support Letter:

· A recommendation letter from an OMERACT Working Group Co-Chair, organizational leader, or academic, endorsing the applicant's PRP capabilities and contributions. This letter should attest to the applicant's skills, experience, and potential to contribute meaningfully to the conference.

5. Commitment to Knowledge Sharing:

· A commitment to disseminate learnings and experiences from the conference to their wider networks and communities, thereby extending the impact of the conference. 

6. Diversity and Inclusion:

· A dedication to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusivity within their work as a PRP.

7. Prior OMERACT Attendance:

· Preference may be given to those with past OMERACT event attendance, demonstrating continuous engagement. Experienced PRPs might be asked to mentor new participants.

· We strive for a mix of both new and experienced PRPs.

8. Geographic Representation:

· The goal is to have a geographically diverse group of attendees. Applicants from underrepresented regions are encouraged, supporting global representation and perspectives.

9. External Network Collaborations:

· Experience working with external networks, organizations, or advocacy groups is a plus, showing an ability to connect OMERACT with wider communities and bring diverse perspectives to the conference.

10. Completeness of Application:

· The application must be completed, providing requested information, and supporting letter.

These criteria are designed to create a balanced, experienced, and diverse group of participants who can significantly contribute to and benefit from the OMERACT conference.

· The application review and scoring will be conducted by a specialized committee, including the Chair of the OMERACT PRP Support Team and selected representatives from OMERACT.

· Candidates will be chosen based on how well they meet the established criteria and the anticipated positive impact of their involvement in the program.

Please note this online application was designed to be completed on a computer some users have experienced issues when submitting on a phone or tablet. 

There is no option to save the application midway through and return. You can apply and change your responses after it is submitted. 

If you would like to work on a word version of the application before submission you can download one here