The 2026 Researcher Spotlight Webinar Series
BRINGING BREAKTHROUGHS TO YOU
Discover how the latest arthritis and autoimmune research could change lives, directly from the scientists leading the way.
The ANRF Researcher Spotlight Webinar Series is a free, virtual event series that brings leading scientists and patients together in conversation. Each fall, we feature topics that matter most to our community, from new discoveries to questions patients ask every day.
Meet the scientists working on tomorrow’s treatments — and ask your questions live.
Hear about research before it reaches the headlines.
See how discoveries connect to your daily life with arthritis or autoimmune disease.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Lupus flares can feel unpredictable, but researchers are getting closer to understanding what drives them. Dr. Kristen Mengwasser (UCSF) and Dr. Paul Hoover (Brigham and Women’s Hospital) share the latest science on the immune drivers of lupus and how it’s shaping earlier detection and more targeted treatment.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
The science on what happens inside the joint during RA is advancing quickly, and it’s changing how clinicians think about treatment. Dr. Melanie Smith (Hospital for Special Surgery) and Dr. Rebecca Blank (NYU) share their latest research on the immune mechanisms driving joint inflammation and where next-generation therapies are headed.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and new research is reshaping how we think about slowing its progression. Dr. Jean Liew (Boston University) and Dr. Kelsey Collins (UCSF) share their latest findings on the biology behind joint degeneration and what’s coming next in prevention and care.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Scleroderma can affect the skin, blood vessels, and internal organs, and researchers are making real progress on what drives it. Dr. Laura Polivka (Cedars-Sinai) and Dr. Brian Skaug (UT Houston) share the latest discoveries on the disease and how they’re shaping the next generation of care.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Psoriatic arthritis can look different from patient to patient, and researchers are working to make diagnosis and treatment more precise. Dr. Anna Costello (CHOP) and Dr. Sakeen Kashem (UCSF) share their latest research on the immune pathways behind the disease and how it’s driving more personalized care.