SCTC Research Roundtable FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about the SCTC Research Roundtable

Below is a list of regularly asked questions we receive about SCTC Research Roundtable.

What is the SCTC Research Roundtable?

The SCTC Research Roundtable brings together industry leaders and SCTC experts to advance scleroderma research through high-quality, pre-competitive scientific discussion.

What is the goal of the SCTC Research Roundtable?

To improve quality of life and longevity for people with scleroderma by strengthening clinical trial design, efficiency, and treatment development.

Who participates in the SCTC Research Roundtable?

The SCTC Roundtable is co-chaired by Drs. Murray Baron (Montreal, Canada) and John Pauling (Bristol, UK). Membership comprises industry representatives, SCTC leadership and investigators, and invited experts from the scleroderma community, clinical practice, and regulatory fields.

How often does the SCTC Research Roundtable meet?

The Roundtable meets twice per year, with each meeting lasting one full day.
Roundtable members are also invited to attend the Annual Collective Working Group Meeting (virtual) and the SCTC’s Annual General Meeting held every year in tandem with the ACR.

Meeting dates are agreed each calendar year but typically occur as follows:

Late Feb/early March: Virtual Working Group Meeting with post meeting industry roundtable de-briefing and deep dive into activities of selected working groups.
April: In person form SCTC Roundtable Meeting
November: In person form SCTC Roundtable Meeting
November: SCTC Annual General Meeting (held on evening of in person roundtable meeting)

What topics are covered?

Key topics include early diagnosis, biomarkers, clinical trial design, outcome measures, investigator training, patient recruitment, and protocol optimization.

Are working groups formed?

Yes. Task Forces or Working Groups may be created to address priority issues between meetings.

Who can join?

Companies developing assets for the treatment or diagnosis of scleroderma are eligible to join.

How does membership work?

Membership is a one-year sponsorship (January–December). Each company may send three representatives per meeting and participate in working groups.

Where can I find meeting outcomes?

Roundtable outputs are posted on the SCTC website and, where applicable, formal broad-ranging output from the meeting will be published in peer-reviewed medical journals (that would avoid disclosure of any commercially sensitive information, proprietary information, promotional material or direct quotations from the meeting).

How can I learn more or join?

Contact the SCTC Administrative Assistant at roundtable@sclerodermaclinicaltrials.org or the SCTC Roundtable Co-Chair JohnPauling@nhs.net.

Join the Research Roundtable

We invite companies to join the thought leaders in scleroderma research at the Research Roundtable. Sponsorship terms are for 1 year beginning January 1st through to December 31st.

Companies that are involved in developing products for the treatment or diagnosis of scleroderma are invited to become members of the Roundtable. Companies that participate will select tworepresentatives to attend each meeting. Company representatives will also be asked to participate in the ongoing work of the committees or working groups established at the Roundtable meetings to carry out the specific work of the roundtable projects. Research roundtable members will select the topic for the upcoming Roundtable.

For more information on the Research Roundtable, please contact the SCTC Administrative Assistant @ roundtable@sclerodermaclinicaltrials.org or the SCTC Roundtable Co-Chair JohnPauling@nhs.net.

Last SCTC Industry Roundtable Meeting:
Nashville, Tennessee, USA on May 1st, 2026

Next SCTC Industry Roundtable Meeting:
Orlando, Florida, USA on November 7th, 2026