Thank you to all who participated in the Network-Wide ARC meeting in Brisbane. It was a long journey for many, and it was a privilege to gather in person for such a collaborative, informative, and energizing event. For those unable to attend, contributions remain deeply valued, and continued engagement is eagerly anticipated in the months ahead. 

As the Network reaches its halfway point—on time and on budget—this meeting marked a pivotal moment in collective progress. Below is a summary of key updates, decisions, and future directions.

Biomarker Discovery: Celebrating Phase 1 and Moving into Phase 2

During a mini-poster session, Biomarker Discovery teams shared highlights from Phase 1 and outlined the direction for the newly launched 18-month Phase 2. Teams were encouraged to present their work in an accessible, “present your science to your grandmother” style, which led to engaging discussions and new opportunities for collaboration. The Proof Centre, which provides analytical and methodological support across projects, also joined the session. The collaborative energy among teams was a standout feature, and exciting progress is expected as Phase 2 unfolds.

Recruitment Core
Cycle 1 Recruitment has concluded, supported by strong engagement across sites and alignment with the diagnostic and echo cores. Cycle 2 will run from July 1 to December 30, 2025, and will include broader inclusion criteria to capture any patients with suspected ARF. Planning is underway to support ongoing site involvement through continuing education and opportunities for future studies.

In Cycle 1, a total of 1,334 patients were enrolled:

• Malawi: 379

• Timor-Leste: 240

• Pakistan: 347

• Brazil: 368

Echo and Diagnostic Cores
The echocardiography core has adjudicated over 1,300 cases, while nearly 1,200 have been adjudicated by the Diagnostic Core, including a large number reviewed in person at the March meeting in Singapore. Thirteen new diagnostic case definitions have been established and will be used for reclassification during Cycle 2. A dynamic Case Discussion was held later in the day, moderated by Dr. Masood Sadiq.

Biobank Core
A review of biobank logistics included celebrations of progress as well as shared challenges, such as customs delays and inconsistencies in shipment tracking. Photos of lab and storage setups added valuable insight into biobank operations across the network.

• 17,684 vials are now stored in the Biobank

• 900 participant samples have been received

To Date:

• 61 total shipments completed (48 supply shipments out, 13 biobank shipments in)

Working Groups
Two new ARC working groups were introduced:

• Translational Working Group – Focused on building partnerships ahead of Network closure in 2027 to develop and pilot a point-of-care test for RF. The group is gathering ideas for collaboration, product features, and outreach strategies.

• Publication and Presentation Committee (PPC) – Co-chaired by Joselyn Rwebembera and Tim Barnett, this group will review proposed manuscripts and presentations to ensure alignment with ARC publication priorities and equitable authorship practices.

Celebrating Early-Career Investigators and the ARC Writer’s Workshop
Early-career investigators shared research projects in a “Rapid Fire” session that prompted productive discussions throughout the meeting.

On Saturday, June 7, the first ARC Writer’s Workshop was held for ARC Incubator participants and early-career investigators. Mentored by a group of ARC leaders, the session covered scientific writing fundamentals—from manuscript structure to revision strategies—through hands-on exercises and project-based feedback.

Gratitude to the Scientific Oversight Committee (SOC) and Leducq Foundation
The Scientific Oversight Committee provided thoughtful input that will guide strategic planning into the second half of Year 3, with emphasis on collecting longitudinal outcomes and strengthening discovery before entering validation. The SOC also played a vital role in chairing presentations and offering closing reflections that elevated the conversation and broadened perspectives.

Special thanks go to the Leducq Foundation for continued partnership. The presence of David Milan and Obediah Plante at the meeting reflected the collaborative spirit that drives this work forward.