Our Mission

The European Scleroderma Trials and Research group (EUSTAR) is an international network of over 200 scleroderma centres, dedicated to advancing research and improving the treatment, quality of life, and prognosis of patients worldwide. Led by an elected Board of experts, EUSTAR has been at the forefront of systemic sclerosis (SSc) research since 2004.

About the Fellowship Programme

The EUSTAR Fellowship Programme supports early-career clinicians and researchers by offering the opportunity to train at a leading domestic or international EUSTAR centre (See our list of EUSTAR member institutions).

Fellows will gain hands-on experience, mentorship from senior SSc experts, and exposure to clinical and research activities.

This initiative helps fellows develop expertise, build professional networks, and contribute to SSc research—potentially even leading to the establishment of new EUSTAR centres.

What the Fellowship Involves

Fellowships typically last up to 12 weeks, depending on needs and aspirations, and the availability of the mentor(s) and resources of the host institution. Extensions are possible in special circumstances (please specify these in your application).

Objectives:

• Attend clinics, ward rounds, and participate in research activities at a EUSTAR member institution.
• Collaborate with senior mentors to develop skills in SSc management and research.
• Focus on either clinical practice or research, tailored to individual career goals.
• Maintain contact with their mentor for one year for ongoing guidance.

Deliverables:

• If focussed on clinical training, write up a clinical case or cases series and submit to a national or international meeting (e.g., Systemic Sclerosis World Congress, EULAR Congress, or ACR Convergence)
• If focussed on research, engage in a short research project and submit an abstract to a national or international meeting (e.g., Systemic Sclerosis World Congress, EULAR Congress, or ACR Convergence) or become involved in a larger project that they will continue with in collaboration with the mentor after returning home.
• Submit a 1,000-word fellowship report, to be published on the EUSTAR website.
• Optionally, draft a review article for the Journal of Scleroderma and Related Disorders.

Fellowships must be completed within one year of the award date.

*Fellows need to seek additional travel grants from EUSTAR if planning to attend conferences, as these costs are not included in the fellowship funding.

What costs are covered?

The fellowship will include:

• A stipend of €300 EUR per week.
• Reimbursement for travel, to and from the host centre (standard class upon receipt).
• Host sites will receive a €1000 EUR stipend (administration, visa).

Amendments to the above in cases of special circumstances will be considered, however please specify these in your application.

Money will be paid at the end of the fellowship.

Applications Currently Closed

Applicants could either approach a mentor at a EUSTAR member institution or request a list of suggested mentors/centres.

Applications required submission of the following documents:

• A personal statement of up to 500 words, outlining how the fellowship will support career development in clinical care and/or research.
• A short CV (Maximum 3 pages)
• A supporting letter from the current supervisor.
• A supporting letter from the proposed mentor at the host EUSTAR institution.

Applications were open from 10 February 2025 to 31 March 2025. A new round of applications have not yet been announced.

Everybody from a EUSTAR member centre or EUSTAR affiliated centre were eligible to apply, and eligibility was assessed based on the nature of the application.