7th EULAR Course on Synovial Biopsy 2026

Next course in 2026.  

Course Description  

This is an integrated, one-and-a-half-day course focused on synovium biopsy. The course will be based on the format of a half day interactive lectures and a full day practical biopsy session on cadavers.

This course consists of complementary teaching units, aiming at engaging different specialists such as sonographers, clinical rheumatologists, pathologists, and translational scientists. Lectures will include a summary of recent advances in the field of synovial tissue research and detailed description with videos and teaching material of the biopsy techniques not only of large joints but also of the wrist, MCPs and MTPs. 

The most adequate procedures to prepare synovial samples for several types of analysis, including single cell studies, will be addressed. A practical hands-on module will then take place in the superb anatomy facility of Barcelona, where participants will have the opportunity to practice US-guided synovial needle and forceps biopsy under guidance of world recognised faculty.

Learning Objectives 

• Different procedures for synovial biopsy.
• Value of synovial tissue in translational research and clinical practice. 
• Utility and interpretation of the information provided by synovial tissue. 

• Synovial biopsy practice in small and large joints (wrist and knee).

Application Requirements  

This is an educational activity targeting clinician and scientists working in the field of rheumatology or musculoskeletal diseases. 

For this course to be the most beneficial to participants, a minimum experience in musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS), defined as regularly performing MSUS in current practice, as well as in US guided procedures, in mandatory. As part of the application process, you will be asked to detail your experience in both MSUS and US guided MS procedures. 

Registration 

Registration is not open. 

To register, log in to your EULAR School of Rheumatology user account, navigate to the appropriate course page, and submit your application with all requested documents included. 

Upon successful review and approval of your application by the EULAR, you will be eligible to complete the registration by submitting the course fee payment. An official confirmation email will be sent to you upon approval of your registration.

Applications submitted via email will not be processed. 

Course Venue 

TBC.

Course Package   

500 EUR (VAT included). 

Bursary   

Annually, EULAR offers bursaries to applicants aged 40 or younger from European countries to attend its rheumatology courses. These bursaries aim to foster the personal and professional development of researchers and clinicians in the field of rheumatology. 

EULAR grants 10 bursaries for this course, each with a value of EUR 500. The bursary amount will be applied as a deduction from the course fee. 

Additionally, bursary recipients are eligible for reimbursement of up to EUR 120 per night for accommodation. 

The following terms apply: 

• Reimbursement is provided solely for nights that are directly associated with the course (1-night, single occupancy). 
• Reimbursement is not available for shoulder nights. 
• Upon completion of the course, bursary recipients must submit the finalised reimbursement form, and accommodation receipts (only), and the EULAR Certificate of Attendance to education@eular.org. 

Application process 

Please apply with the following documents within the registration system: 

• CV. 
• A motivation letter, clearly outlining your interest in the course, along with the reasons for your desire to participate. 
• A list of publications (if acceptable). 
• Application form. 

Additional considerations when applying for the bursary: 

• All applications must be submitted in PDF format. 
• Applications submitted via email will not be processed. 

Bursary application deadline: TBC.  

Notification: TBC. 

Certificate of Attendance 

Upon successful completion of the course, all participants will receive a certificate of attendance via their EULAR School of Rheumatology user account. Please note that full attendance (100%) is required to receive the certificate. 

CME Accreditation  

EACCME

EULAR will apply for EACCME accreditation for this course. 

Upon successful completion of the course, all participants will receive a certificate of attendance via their EULAR School of Rheumatology user account. Please note that full attendance (100%) is required to receive the certificate. 

Ethical MedTech 

EULAR will apply for Ethical MedTech accreditation for this course. 

Terms & Conditions   

Cancellation Policy 

The participant has the right to cancel the registration without providing any justification within 14 days from the conclusion of the agreement, which is defined as the receipt of our confirmation email. The participant loses the right of withdrawal, if the participant attends the course before the expiry of the right of withdrawal. Additional information can be found at the following link, in section 3. 

Termination by EULAR 

EULAR may terminate the agreement or cancel the course at any time. Additional information can be found at the following link, in section 8.