.png)
A two-day international course in pediatric rheumatology
The JIR Winter School is a recurring two-day hybrid course in pediatric rheumatology, with a different clinical focus each year.
Each edition combines state-of-the-art lectures, live clinical case discussions, and a look at complicated or unresolved clinical questions.
The format is designed to encourage discussion and exchange, whether you join onsite or online.
For the 2027 edition we focus on Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: from diagnosis beyond the ILAR criteria to treatment strategies, remission, complex forms and growing up with JIA.
This year we move from the Alps to the shores of Lake Geneva, about 30 minutes from Geneva Airport, for easier international travel.
Why the Winter School ?
The Winter School brings together junior and senior physicians from around the world, with direct access to internationally recognised experts in pediatric rheumatology.
Complex clinical case discussions
Discuss challenging, complicated and unresolved cases directly with experts and fellow participants.
.png){kind=small}
Small group. Direct access to experts
A focused format with time to ask questions and exchange directly with internationally recognised experts.
.png){kind=small}
International perspectives
Hear how colleagues from different countries approach the same clinical challenges, and bring new perspectives back to your own practice.
.png){kind=small}
International exchange
Meet junior and senior physicians from different countries, share experiences and build connections across the JIR community.
More than the programme
The Winter School is designed to bring participants and experts together beyond the sessions.
With everyone staying at the same venue, there are plenty of opportunities for informal discussion — breakfasts with experts, coffee breaks, networking dinners and conversations between sessions.
These informal moments are an important part of the Winter School: they make it easier to approach experts, exchange with colleagues and build connections that often continue after the event.
2027 programme
Six sessions across two days.
Preliminary programme, subject to change.
Detailed timings and speakers are in the full programme.
FRIDAY MARCH 12th
01
Diagnosis beyond ILAR criteria
02
Treatment — Therapeutic Strategies and Access to Care
03
Treatment Follow-up — Towards Remission and Withdrawal
SATURDAY MARCH 13th
01
Specific Themes — Focus on Complex Forms
02
Growing up with JIA
03
Around the World — Cases
Onsite Experts
Pr Daniel Lovell
Canada
Dr Raju Khubchandani
India
Pr Michael Hofer
Switzerland
Dr Filipa Ramos
Portugal
Pr Fabrizio de Benedetti
Italy
Dr Helmut Wittkowski
Germany
Pr Wafa Hamdi
Tunisia
Dr Véronique Hentgen
France
Fees & registration
The 2023–2026 editions of the JIR Winter School were supported by COST Action funding, which allowed free online and onsite participation. That funding cycle has now ended.
To keep offering the same quality — expert faculty, live case discussions, and full online access — registration fees now apply for both onsite and online attendance in 2027.
Three fee tiers keep the school accessible, including a reduced Supported rate.
Rate | Who is it for ? | Online | Onsite |
|---|---|---|---|
Supporter | Solidarity rate — helps sustain the school | 250 Euros | 250 Euros |
Standard | Regular registration | 150 Euros | 150 Euros |
Supported | Trainees, fellows & participants from limited-resource countries | 25 Euros | 100 Euros |
Registration fees cover the Winter School only. Accommodation and networking dinners are not included.
Networking dinners: CHF 59/person, paid directly at the hotel. All participants who have booked a room will be contacted at the end of February for registration. Registration is required.
Breakfast with an Expert: Small groups with limited places. Registration is required.
How to register
1. Get your ticket
-
Choose Online or Onsite
-
Select your fee tier,
-
And pay securely through our Infomaniak ticket shop.
This confirms your seat at the course.
Note: Registration tiers and payment are handled through our Infomaniak ticket shop.
2. Onsite participants: book your room.
Once your onsite ticket is purchased, you will receive an email with a discount code to book your room at Everness Hotel & Resort at a negotiated rate. The code is valid until 10 February 2027 (30 days before the course), so we recommend booking early. When booking, you can also request the free airport shuttle
Dinners and breakfasts. with experts :
One month before the course, you will receive a form to book the networking dinners (paid directly at the hotel) and to register for the breakfast-with-an-expert sessions (free).
Venue & getting there
A change from the Alpine venues of past editions — chosen this year for easy access from Geneva Airport.
Everness Hotel & Resort
Ch. des Champs-Blancs 70B, 1279 Chavannes-de-Bogis, Switzerland
Set between Geneva and Lausanne on the shore side of Lake Geneva, Everness offers comfortable rooms just minutes from the airport — convenient for international travel to and from the course.
-
By air : Geneva Airport (GVA) — about 30 min with free shuttle (request when you book your room (subject to availability).
-
By train : from Geneva Cornavin, take a train to Coppet (about 15 minutes, roughly 4 trains per hour). Then take bus 813 or 814 to the "Champs-Blancs" stop, or use the hotel shuttle on request. Timetables and tickets: www.sbb.ch/en or the SBB Mobile app.
-
By car : Direct access from the A1 motorway (Geneva–Lausanne).
