2026 Vol. I President's Message

João Espregueira-Mendes, MD, PhD, Full Prof., PORTUGAL

ISAKOS eNewsletters   eNewsletter Article 2026   Not yet rated

Research as the DNA of ISAKOS: Advancing Knowledge Without Borders

Research has always been part of the ISAKOS DNA. ISAKOS was built not only to disseminate knowledge, but to create it through rigorous science, meaningful collaboration, and a truly global perspective. Already in 2001, ISAKOS launched a Global Connection Campaign to raise funds for education and developed committees to initiate projects as funds became available.

In a rapidly evolving world of orthopaedic sports medicine, research is not optional; it is essential. It shapes clinical practice, informs innovation, and ultimately improves patient care worldwide. As an international umbrella society, ISAKOS holds a unique responsibility: to foster high-quality research across all regions, disciplines, and levels of experience. Our mission is not limited to established academic centers, but extends to colleagues working in resource-limited environments, emerging research settings, and regions where access to mentorship and infrastructure remains a challenge.

Research Through Collaboration, Not Competition

ISAKOS firmly believes that the future of orthopaedic research lies in collaboration rather than competition. By bringing together surgeons, scientists, and institutions from across the globe, we create an ecosystem where ideas are shared, data is strengthened, and innovation accelerates. Through partnerships with continental and specialty societies - including European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery & Arthroscopy (ESSKA), Sociedad Latinoamericana de Artroscopía, Rodilla y Deporte (SLARD), Asia-Pacific Knee, Arthroscopy, Arthroplasty, Shoulder and Sports Medicine Society (APKASS), Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA), American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), and more - ISAKOS acts as a global connector, enabling multicenter collaboration and harmonized research efforts that would not be possible in isolation.

This collaborative spirit ensures that research conducted under the ISAKOS umbrella is not only scientifically robust, but also globally relevant, inclusive, and applicable across diverse healthcare systems.

Expanding the Research Mentoring Program

One of the most impactful ways ISAKOS supports research is through its Research Mentoring Program. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of clinician-scientists. For many young investigators, access to experienced mentorship can be the defining factor between an idea that fades and a study that changes practice. The research mentoring program provides structured guidance from experienced international mentors, supporting members through all stages of the research process: from study design and methodology, to ethics approval, data analysis, and publication. By expanding this program, ISAKOS aims to empower emerging researchers with the tools, confidence, and global networks needed to succeed. This investment is not only in individuals, but in the long-term scientific strength of our society.

Research Grants: Investing in Ideas and Impact

The ISAKOS Research Grants remain a cornerstone of our scientific mission. These grants are designed to stimulate innovation, support early-stage investigators, and enable high-quality research that aligns with the society’s core values. Importantly, they also serve as a vital mechanism to support members from economically disadvantaged and resource-limited regions, where access to traditional funding sources may be limited. ISAKOS awarded 11 scientific grants in 2023-2025 with a total of USD $180,000 funded. By continuing and expanding our research grant programs, ISAKOS ensures that promising ideas are evaluated on scientific merit—not geography or institutional prestige. This approach fosters diversity in research questions, patient populations, and perspectives, enriching the global body of orthopaedic knowledge.

JISAKOS Global Authorship Program – Expanding Voices in Orthopaedic Research

The Journal of ISAKOS Excellence in Authorship Program is an initiative designed to build research capacity and promote diversity in scientific publishing, especially among surgeons and investigators from low-to-upper-middle-income countries. The program offers tailored training in manuscript writing, guidance through the peer-review process, and support from expert mentors - including statisticians, research managers, and clinician-scientists – to help mentees in developing and submitting high-quality research to the Journal of ISAKOS. By fostering inclusion and global perspectives in authorship, this initiative strengthens the international research community and expands the reach of orthopaedic sports medicine scholarship. The first class of mentees has recently finished their journey and are now open applications for the 2026-2027 period until April 1, 2026. Mentees have the opportunity to engage with mentors in developing their research project, present it at the ISAKOS Congress and participate in an ISAKOS Mentorship Program Meet & Greet, and with the final goal of submitting the final project results in the Journal of ISAKOS. See the recordings of the paper presentations of the most recent recipients at ISAKOS Global Link: isakos.com/GlobalLink/Group/787

Building Research Platforms for the Future

To support these initiatives, ISAKOS is committed to developing integrated research platforms that connect members with ongoing studies, Congresses, courses, and educational resources. These platforms will serve as hubs for collaboration, transparency, and engagement—allowing members to contribute, learn, and connect more effectively than ever before.

Such infrastructure is essential for modern research societies. It enhances visibility of ongoing projects, prevents duplication of efforts, and encourages cross-border collaboration. Most importantly, it ensures that research remains accessible to all members, regardless of location or resources.

Research with Purpose

At its core, research within ISAKOS is about purpose. It is about improving patient care, advancing evidence-based practice, and ensuring that innovation benefits all—not just a privileged few. By prioritizing mentorship, funding, and inclusive platforms, ISAKOS reaffirms its leading role in impactful and globally relevant research.

Research is not an isolated pillar of ISAKOS: it is woven into our identity, our educational mission, and our vision for the future. As we continue to expand the research mentoring program, offer research grants, and renovate the authorship program, we are not simply building projects; we are building capacity, opportunity, and a stronger global community.

Together, we will ensure that ISAKOS remains at the forefront of orthopaedic research, driven by science, united by collaboration, and guided by a commitment to excellence without borders.

João Espregueira-Mendes - ISAKOS President