ACR-APLAR Exchange Program

Application Closing Date: 15 May 2026

 
 
 
 
 
The purpose of the ACR-APLAR Exchange Program is to promote the international exchange of clinical and research skills, expertise and knowledge within rheumatology. The program recognises outstanding rheumatology professional faculty in both laboratory and clinic-based research and provides exposure to the exciting work being done by colleagues overseas. This exchange program allows candidates to share knowledge and experience and creates opportunities for collaboration.

The program supports young academic rheumatologists to travel from Asia Pacific to America to experience the ACR Convergence, engage in a half-day exchange program with American colleagues at the Annual Congress and participate in a subsequent site visit at a local institution.

Travel grant of USD 2,000 will be awarded upon completion of the program.In addition, there is an opportunity for an optional one-week attachment to a ACR Center of Excellence (CoE). The visit can be done either before or after the congress. However, applicant is to identify and apply directly to the Centre of Excellence. ACR and APLAR secretariat will only assist to link the applicant to the CoE, if needed.

Successful applicants will be given an additional travel grant of USD 1,000.

APLAR is inviting AYR members who are Rheumatologists or Senior Residents in Rheumatology to apply for the program. Five (5) candidates will be selected for the program, who will receive the following benefits:

  • complimentary registration to the ACR Convergence
  • travel grant of USD 2,000
  • additional USD 1,000 will be given to successful candidates who apply for the 1-week visit to America CoE.

Applicants need to fulfil the following requirements:

  • To hold a non-tenured faculty appointment or Senior Rheumatology Resident, or equivalent position (below the level of professor), at an academic centre in an ACR or APLAR member country or as determined by the APLAR Education Committee
  • Applicants should have a doctoral degree (MD, PhD, DSc, or equivalent) in a field/area relevant to rheumatology
  • Demonstrate a firm commitment to academic medicine
  • Must be 45 years of age or under at time of application

(Note: Applicants who do not meet all eligibility criteria listed above will not be considered.)

APPLICATION PERIOD

Application for the ACR-APLAR Exchange Programme is 15 May 2026

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Detailed information is found in the application form. Please download to apply. For enquiry and completed application form submission, please email secretariat@aplar.org
 

Documentation for submissions are as follows:

  • Complimentary congress registration confirmation
  • Proof of Abstract Submission from the congress
  • Letter of certification for the half day exchange programme workshop and the one-day site visit
  • Copies of Travel and lodging receipts to be submitted for disbursement of USD 2,000
  • Letter of certification from the Center of Excellence for the 1-week visit (if selected)
  • Training report summary at Center of Excellence for additional grant of USD 1,000