Dear Dr. [[contact.last_name]],
As we complete the first quarter of 2026, I want to take a moment to update you and to share my optimism for the upcoming year. While this continues to be a complex time for the pediatric research community, it is also a reminder of the importance of supporting one another. The strength of SPR has always been its people, and as we move forward staying connected will be more important than ever.
The importance of connections was highlighted last month when SPR and the European Society for Paediatric Research held the inaugural Paediatric Research for the Future of Children (PRFC) forum in Geneva, Switzerland, in collaboration with Forum Chair Professor Petra S. Hüppi. Investigators across five continents shared exceptional research and ideas, paving the way for global dialogue and collaboration. Thank you to Ann Chahroudi, MD PhD, and Lois K. Lee, MD MPH, Forum
Co-Chairs, for their outstanding leadership and efforts to strengthen our international partnerships.
In addition to the PRFC, SPR has many things happening I want to be sure you’re aware of: - Welcome to our 2026 New Members: We are delighted to welcome the 123 newest members of SPR. We look forward to your engagement and contributions to our community.
- PAS 2026 and SPR Programming: Congratulations to all members whose abstracts were accepted for the PAS 2026 Meeting. I am excited to see your work showcased throughout the meeting. Be sure to attend featured SPR sessions and to mark your calendars for many terrific sessions, including but not limited to:
- SPR Presidential Plenary: Best of Featured Science on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 4 pm ET.
- Eat. Greet. Celebrate. Awards & New Member Reception on Saturday, April 25, at 12:30 pm ET.
- APS SPR Joint Presidential Plenary:
Pediatric Workforce Opportunities & Challenges on Sunday, April 26, at 8 am ET.
- New Advocacy Learning Collaborative: SPR and the Academic Pediatric Association (APA) are partnering on monthly virtual Learning Collaboratives featuring advocacy updates, member presentations, and Q&A. All members are welcome to attend; RSVPs will be sent in the SPR Pulse.
- Discover the New SPR Website: Our newly redesigned
website was launched in January, aiming to better showcase our mission, simplify navigation, and serve as the main resource for members. I invite you to explore the site and see what's new.
- International Collaboration with the Japan Pediatric Society: The Japan Pediatric Society (JPS) has sponsored two SPR Emerging to Established (E2E) Members Lillian Juttukonda, MD, PhD, and Nisha Dalvie, MD, to attend its annual conference in Yamaguchi, Japan, offering a valuable opportunity for international exchange. I look forward
to joining them as we continue to strengthen our strong relationship with our friends from Japan and Asia.
We continue to work to enhance our SPR member benefits and value for you, our members. If you have ideas or things that we should be doing that would benefit you, please reach out to our staff by emailing [email protected]. We appreciate your support and input to help provide as much value to you as possible.
Best wishes for the year ahead and hope to see you in Boston for the PAS 2026 Meeting,
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