Early in 2025, PReS launched PReSTaR (PReS Network for Trials and Research), a new initiative that aims to enhance our community's research and development capabilities.
PReSTaR is designed to foster and support clinical research in pediatric rheumatology through a network involving clinical and academic centers, as well as PReS working parties and national scientific societies.
The core activities of PReSTeR will include establishing and maintaining clinical databases to support prospective disease registries with associated biobanks as well as conducting investigator-initiated and sponsored clinical trials.
A kick-off meeting was held in Genova in March 2025 with 48 participants, including working party leadership, PReS council members and external guests.
The governing bodies of PReSTaR will be a Board of Trustees and a Scientific Committee.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees will play a crucial role in overseeing the strategic direction and governance of PReSTaR and its responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic guidance and oversight.
- Ensuring the initiative aligns with the goals and mission of PReS.
- Approving major decisions and initiatives related to PReSTaR.
|
Board of Trustees |
Nominated by |
Duration of Term |
Name |
|
Gaslini Representative |
Gaslini |
4 years |
Valeria Antenucci |
|
Liaison Officer |
Gaslini |
4 years |
Angelo Ravelli |
|
PReS Executive Rep |
PReS Council |
According to Election Term |
Tadej Avcin |
|
PReS Treasurer |
PReS Council |
According to Election Term |
Petra Hissink Muller |
|
Scientific Committee Chair |
PReS Council |
2 plus 2 years without right to vote |
Fabrizio de Benedetti |
Scientific Committee
The Scientific Committee has the task of identifying and proposing research projects and clinical trials. This committee includes leading researchers and clinicians who bring their expertise to guide the initiative's research agenda. Their responsibilities are:
- Reviewing and approving research proposals.
- Ensuring the scientific rigor and quality of research projects.
- Providing mentorship and support to researchers involved in PReSTaR.
|
Scientific Committee |
Nominated by |
Duration of Term |
Name |
|
Chair |
PReS Council |
2 + 2 years |
Fabrizio De Benedetti |
|
PReS Exec Rep |
PReS Election |
According to election term |
Seza Ozen |
|
PReS Research Chair |
PReS Election |
According to election term |
Alexandre Belot |
|
PReS Clinical Affairs Chair |
PReS Election |
According to election term |
Joost Swart |
|
PReS HP Chair |
PReS Election |
According to election term |
Polly Livermore |
|
Gaslini Rep |
Gaslini |
2 +2 years |
Marco Gattorno |
|
Patient Rep |
PReS Council |
2 +2 years |
Michael Poeltz |
|
Expert in Clinical Trials/Registries |
PReS Council |
2 +2 years |
Athimalaipet Ramanan |
|
Expert in Clinical Trials/Registries |
PReS Council |
2 +2 years |
Veronique Hentgen |
|
Expert in Clinical Trials/Registries |
PReS Council |
2 +2 years |
Eve Smith |
More information about PRESTAR and its set up will be relayed to you over the coming months on the PRES website (www.PRES.eu.) A separate PRESTAR website is also being created and will be launched in due course (www.pres-tar.org/home.html).
PReSTAR Grant
PReS and PReSTaR are pleased to announce the establishment of an annual call for new projects to be developed and conducted within the framework of collaboration between the PReS Working Parties and PReSTaR, the newly established PReS research network.
The objective of this initiative is to foster excellence in the field of Paediatric Rheumatology by supporting the implementation of translational and clinical research, and by strengthening links between clinical and academic centers and PReS Working Parties.
We warmly encourage all Working Parties to review the information available on our websites and to participate in the annual calls by submitting original projects. These projects should aim to advance paediatric rheumatology research and contribute to improving the care and quality of life of children with rheumatic diseases.
Specific details, including submission procedures and timelines, are provided in the official communication launching each call.
