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March 15-16 2024

New Skills, New Horizons: Python Coding Joins the STSM 2025 Journey

May 12th to June 6th, 2025 – Lausanne, Switzerland


In May/June 2025, the international JIR-CliPS project under the COST Action CA21168 proudly hosted its third year of the Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM)— a program that helps clinicians and researchers develop their network and strengthen both clinical and research skills in pediatric rheumatology and related fields.

A Truly International Experience

This year, for the first time, the program welcomed two grantees from North Africa, in addition to eight others from across Europe. Another new setting was the mix of ages and experience levels—from young physicians to senior doctors—which enriched the discussions and offered a great opportunity to build a truly international network.

Thematic Focus and Collaborative Work

Participants were divided into five thematic working groups (WGs) covering Lupus Nephritis (LN), Vasculitis and Kawasaki Disease, Autoinflammatory Diseases (AID), PFAPA/SURF syndromes, and systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (sJIA) with Adult-Onset Still’s Disease (AOSD). Each participant led or contributed to a focused research task under the supervision of active mentors from their WG throughout the month.

Working Group Highlights

  • WG1 – Lupus Nephritis : Valentina Natoli explored strategies for induction treatment, while Giedre Januskeviciute focused on maintenance treatment.

  • WG2 – Vasculitis (Kawasaki & IgA) : Both grantees investigated how physician experience and geographic location influence the physicians strategies. Claudia Ballerini focused on decision-making in Kawasaki disease while Andzelika Slegeryte analyzed treatment choices in IgA vasculitis.

  • WG3 – Autoinflammatory Diseases : Ana Luiza Cunha developed the 1st version of the CliPS based on initial responses to the CAPS, TRAPS, and HIDS questionnaires. Saverio La Bella tested the colchicine resistance CliPS using data from three registries: the JIR Cohort, EUROFEVER, and AIDA.

  • WG4 – PFAPA & SURF : Ines Cherif examined how physician settings influence the use of genetics in PFAPA. Gvantsa Jajanidze developed the 1st CliPS addressing the use of Tonsillectomy in PFAPA.

  • WG5 – sJIA / Still’s Disease : Oya Koker tested the first-line treatment CliPS using data from the JIR Cohort. Karima Daghor-Abbaci focused on strategies for tapering and discontinuing treatment.

Clinical and Academic Development

In addition to their individual research projects, grantees took part in a dynamic training program designed to strengthen both clinical knowledge and research skills.


International Expert-Led Group Sessions



Each grantee prepared a presentation that led to open discussions with international experts who traveled to Lausanne to share their insights:

·       Combination therapy for Lupus Nephritis – Pr Sylvia Kamphuis

·       EULAR, ACR and KDIGO guidelines : relevance in pediatrics – Dr Lovrot Lamot

·       Kawasaki Disease – Treatment approaches – Dr Tilmann Kallinich

·       Clinical Spectrum of CAPS according to molecular genetic findings – Dr Ines Elhani

·        Updates on FMF treatment – Dr Roberta Caorsi

·       Treatment of PFAPA in children  - Dr Caroline Vinit

·       Diagnosis of recurrent fever and PFAPA in children – Pr Michael Hofer

·       Still Children (sJIA) – Treatment – Dr Katerina Theodoropoulou

·       Still Disease – Dr Charlotte Girard

 

Exchange with local physicians

A visit to Geneva University Hospital (HUG), hosted by Dr. Manel Mejbri and her team. The grantees had the valuable opportunity to exchange insights on local cases and present their own complex cases for discussion.

 

Online Academic Lectures:

o   Stat-insights of Medical Repositories - Mishaps, Imperatives and Remedies - Konstantinos Pateras

o   New EULAR Still’s Disease Recommendations – Pr. Sophie Georgin-Lavialle

o   Diagnostic Challenges in Recurrent Fevers – Dr. Marco Gattorno


Data Science Training: For the first time during the STSM, François Hofer offered a two-day introductory course on Python coding and the use of AI to support learning and skill development. This was followed by individual coaching sessions throughout the month, with the goal of helping grantees become autonomous in their data analysis. This training was considered one of the highlights of the program by the grantees: “From my personal point of view, the highlight of this year was definitely François’s coding course. Even though I already had some experience with R, I thought it was fantastic, especially for physicians starting from scratch. I would have felt so lucky to have had this kind of training 2–3 years ago; these skills are really crucial for clinical research. That’s why I believe this course should absolutely be kept in the program.”— Valentina Natoli

 

Building Connections Beyond the Program


As building a strong network is key in a researcher’s career, moments of conviviality played an important role throughout the STSM. Informal outings were organized to strengthen group cohesion and create lasting connections. Participants shared memorable experiences — from hiking in the Swiss Alps and enjoying lakeside gatherings with the experts, to sharing a traditional Swiss raclette — fostering a collaborative spirit that extended well beyond the academic setting and will continue throughout their professional paths.

The STSM concluded with a final in-person meeting on June 6th, chaired by Prof. Michael Hofer and François Hofer. Each participant presented their results and received targeted feedback — both on content and form — as the ability to clearly and effectively present findings is a key skill in a researcher’s career.


The next step is for grantees to present their work to their full working group during upcoming online WG meetings.



Key Achievements

·       Clinical Exchange: Grantees, experts, and local teams had the chance to discuss complex clinical cases and compare approaches across countries and specialties.

·       Research Skills: Grantees strengthened key research competencies, including data management, statistical analysis, and effective results presentation — essential tools for advancing clinical research.

·       Networking: The STSM provided a unique opportunity to engage with internationally recognized experts and colleagues, building connections that will support participants throughout their careers.

·       Scientific Impact: Significant progress was made in understanding treatment strategies and harmonizing care practices, in line with the goals of the JIR-CliPS initiative.


Lausanne, 18.06.2025

Marie Frank, Grant Holder Coordinator

François Hofer, Grant Holder Scientific Representative

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