Cellular therapies, reproductive rheumatology and osteoporosis are three important themes to feature at the upcoming 2026 ARA ASM, with international and internationally acclaimed locals sharing their expertise and the latest evidence.

Some 700 delegates are expected at the meeting on the Gold Coast to learn from the latest rheumatology research and practice advances presented at the scientific sessions and industry symposia over the 4-day event.

As well, there are plenty of opportunities to network with and learn from colleagues during the ASM which also includes social events such as the opening reception, conference dinners, and Fun/Run/Walk.

The Cellular Therapies plenary, including rheumatologist Professor Georg Schett from Germany and Brisbane haematologist Associate Professor Siok Tey, covers the potential of CAR T in rheumatic diseases, patient selection, and clinical and laboratory aspects of CAR T (Sun, 8.30am).

Professor Schett will also present again in the What’s Hot in Rheumatology plenary on psoriatic arthritis (Mon, 8.30am)

Another international speaker, Associate Professor Rebecca Sadun from Duke University in North Carolina, will lead the Reproductive Rheumatology plenary with a focus on adolescents and young adults. (Tues, 8.30am).

In the same session, Director of the Lupus and Antiphospholipid Center of Excellence at the Hospital for Special Surgery Dr Jane Salmon will share her expertise on antiphospholipid syndrome, online from New York.

Osteoporosis expert Professor Peter Ebeling will interrupt his sabbatical to deliver his presentation online from overseas. (Mon, 8.30am)

In another Bone Health session, presentations cover chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis, insight into a fracture liaison service, and exercise for osteoporosis. (Tues, 10.45am)

Full program

Dr Laurel Young

Co-convenor of the meeting Dr Laurel Young told the limbic that two years of work was now done and she was eager for the meeting.

“We wanted it to be novel, and we wanted it to be exciting. We have some big, big names so we’re very excited that they all agreed.”

“I do think the meeting is all encompassing and that people get to learn something from the actual speakers and learn something from their friends when they’re sitting next to them and chatting at dinner.”

The bursting-at-the-seams program has even had to double up sessions concurrent with morning tea and poster sessions to fit everything in.

In lieu of scones and cream, delegates can attend a session on real-world, practical Innovations for Improvement focused on new pathways, tools and models of care. (Mon, 10am)

Also on the program:

• Launch of the Australian Rheumatology Journal (Sat, 3.45pm)
• Year in Review session – clinical – presented by Professor Peter Nash (Sun, 4.20pm)
• Clinical Guidelines Updates – local and international (Sun, 11am)
• Rheumatology and Lifestyle session – covering gender-diverse affirming care, sleep and movement (Mon, 11 am)
• The Future of Rheumatology session – covering climate change and AI (Mon, 11am)
• Rheumatology Care across the Lifespan session – from young adult clinical pearls, to menopause and ageing (Mon, 2pm)
• Clinical Grand Rounds (Tues, 1.15 pm)

Dr Young said a session on First Nations Rheumatology was a fitting prequel to the 2027 ARA ASM being hosted in Darwin. (Sun, 4pm) Speakers in the session are Associate Professor Noel Hayman, Associate Professor Helen Benham and Dr John Wood.

Also on the program is rheumatology nurse practitioner Associate Professor Mwidimi Ndosi, from the University of West England, Bristol, who will share his insights on advancing healthcare professional-led interventions (Mon, 8.30am) and in the guidelines session on non-pharmacological management in rheumatology.

In professional practice sessions, medical education and training and the lifecycle of private practice will be under the spotlight.

Multiple poster tours will be hosted by rheumatology leaders including Professor Lyn March (Crystals and OA), Professor Eric Morand (CTD and Basic Science), Dr Jonathan Akikusa (Paediatric), Dr David Liew (RA + Therapeutics) and Professor Peter Wong (SpA/OSP/CAR-T/GCA).

The ARA’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday at 3.50pm.

The 2026 ARA ASM [link here] will be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from 16-19 May. The limbic will be in attendance reporting on some of the highlights.