Research Research priorities Research priority setting is a collective activity for deciding which unknowns are most worth trying to resolve through research. Unknowns may be problems to be understood, solutions to be developed or new approaches to be tested. We identified research prioritisation as a goal in our 2019-2023 strategic plan and undertook a research prioritisation exercise in 2020-2021, consulting with people living with arthritis, researchers, clinicians and carers in compiling a list of the most important research topics that they thought should be investigated. The top 10 research priorities identified through this process are as follows: 1 How can we best prevent or reduce the progression/worsening of disease in people living with arthritis and rheumatic diseases? 2 Can we improve early diagnosis of arthritis and rheumatic diseases? What impact would earlier diagnosis have on quality of life? 3 How can pain be better managed for those living with arthritis and rheumatic diseases? What factors influence access to adequate pain relief and pain management? 4 Can we develop or improve medications to treat rheumatic diseases? 5 What impact does exercise have on the risk, prevention or management of arthritis and rheumatic diseases? 6 Can we improve our knowledge of the biology of rheumatic diseases to make better treatments or treatment choices? 7 What impact does diet have in the management of rheumatic diseases? 9 How can we improve the diagnosis of arthritis and rheumatic diseases? 10 What impact does arthritis and rheumatic disease have on mental health? How can this best be treated, managed, or improved? Manage Cookie Preferences