Symposium Marking a Double Anniversary: 35 Years of Epidemiology and 25 Years of the RABBIT Registry
From Clinical Practice to Research—and Back Again: The Value of Observational Studies for Rheumatology
On October 30, 2026, the German Rheumatology Research Center Berlin (DRFZ), a Leibniz Institute, hosted a scientific symposium titled “From Clinical Care to Research and Back—The Benefits of Observational Studies for Rheumatology,” attended by approximately 150 participants. The event marked the 35th anniversary of the Epidemiology Program Area and the 25th anniversary of the RABBIT Registry.
Following opening remarks from the expert society, the professional association, and the Deutsche Rheuma-Liga e.V., Gerd-Rüdiger Burmester and Xenofon Baraliakos explained the importance of epidemiology for rheumatology in Germany and in the European context, respectively. Dieter Wiek shed light on the development of patient involvement in research, while Julia Rautenstrauch addressed the perspective of science communication. Eicke Latz and leading scientists from the program area summarized the achievements to date and outlined prospects for the future.
The symposium recognized the tremendous dedication of rheumatologists and their patients throughout Germany in generating valid research data. This network linking research and clinical care plays a crucial role in the success of epidemiological work. The symposium highlighted the high quality of the data, the groundbreaking findings for clinical practice, and the program’s leading international role in the field of methodology.
The presentations and discussions demonstrated the national and international significance of the Epidemiology program area and underscored its role as an indispensable part of research at the DRFZ. That evening, both anniversaries were celebrated in style.
Impressions
