The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) held its annual Scientific Planning Retreat on April 6-7, 2009. Topics of discussion included stem cells, B cells in autoimmune diseases, and approaches for effectively identifying and managing high-quality clinical trials at NIAMS. A fourth discussion explored scientific challenges that, if addressed in the next 5-8 years, would significantly advance NIAMS mission areas. These discussions provided a platform for examining needs, gaps, and opportunities in the extramural research community. One-page overviews and summary PowerPoint slides of each topic are provided below, and include the key questions that were addressed during each session.
- Stem Cell — Backgrounder
- B Cells in Autoimmune Diseases — Backgrounder
- NIAMS Clinical Trials — Backgrounder
- Challenges — Backgrounder