About OARSI

Mission

OARSI is the premier international organization for scientists and health care professionals focused on the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis through the promotion and presentation of research, education and the worldwide dissemination of new knowledge.

Strategic Goals

To further the mission the Board also approved strategic goals for the next five years:

  1. To increase OARSI visibility through member involvement. We will increase the number of committees to include more members and establish a committee rotation policy. We will focus on mentoring young scientists and will be establishing action steps to help us reach this goal.
  2. To provide quality educational opportunities and disseminate research. OARSI will develop a scholarship program for young investigators enabling them to study in another continent. In addition, we continue to work on translation and dissemination of the treatment guidelines for hip and knee OA that were published in early 2008. We have also established an OARSI-OMERACT Ultrasound study group and a new biomarkers initiative. The website committee is working on developing a searchable slide set that can be used for educational purposes.
  3. To establish standards and tools for health care and research in OA. OARSI was awarded the FDA project to conduct and manage the coordination of a critical appraisal of certain fundamentals of the science related to the design of clinical development programs for human drugs, biological products, and medical devices for the treatment and prevention of OA in addition to issues regarding clinical outcomes measured as improvements in signs and symptoms, function and structural modification. Workgroups have been formed and public hearings will be scheduled, with a final report issued in two years. In addition, an Atlas on Histology of Animal Models in Osteoarthritis will be produced early in 2009.
  4. To develop strategic alliances. OARSI is working with many groups including the Arthritis Foundation and Canadian Arthritis Network for the Biomarkers initiatives. Following up on the successful NIAMS/NIA sponsored Biomarkers Network Workshops in 2004, 2005 and 2006, three additional OA Biomarker Workshops are planned over the next four years.
  5. To maintain financial stability. The Board of Directors has the fiduciary responsibility for the OARSI funds and takes this responsibility very seriously. We monitor the finances and seek sponsorship and funding to help offset program costs.