Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Following the success of the 7^th International Congress on Controversies in Rheumatology and Autoimmunity (CORA 2023 in Turin) and the upcoming 14^th International Congress of Autoimmunity in Ljubljana, it is our great pleasure to welcome you to Venice, Italy, for the 8^th CORA Congress.

First launched in Florence in 2011, CORA has since become a major event in the field of rheumatology and autoimmunity thanks to its fresh and intuitive structure featuring debate sessions on burning and controversial issues. The last CORA congress in 2023 attracted over 600 participants after a long period of transition from virtual to in-person events. This time we expect to reach as many as 1000 delegates in 2025 to join us onsite in Venice.

CORA 2025 will feature the well-known and highly attended debate sessions where scientists passionately defend their convictions on burning issues. We have also prepared a rich portion of scientific lectures, abstract presentations, sponsored blocks, and curbside consults where controversies on different topics will be presented and discussed by top experts. Additionally, this year we aim to give more opportunities to young investigator to present their findings in interactive settings.

Today, new aspects and new drugs are being discovered in rheumatological and autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies and systemic lupus erythematosus to name just a few. New discoveries and descriptions are being rapidly released by leading scientists and these findings raise further questions related to the clinical diagnosis, management, as well as the pathogenesis of rheumatological and autoimmune disorders. The scientific program of CORA 2025 will cover many of these issues through a range of debates on contemporary and controversial topics.

CORA 2025 promises a bountiful and cutting-edge program, and we look forward to your contribution by submitting an abstract and joining the discussions on these issues.

We await to see you in Venice, Italy, on March 6^th – 8^th, in the wonderful surroundings of the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, located on the picturesque Giudecca Island overlooking the beautiful old town with charming canals and traditional boats.

Sincerely,