Arthritis NZ is committed to improving the lives of every person affected by arthritis through the advancement of research. Our arthritis research funding programme supports high-quality studies that contribute to a better understanding, management, and outcomes across all forms of arthritis in New Zealand.
Our approach
Our research funding strategy is guided by clearly defined objectives and an action plan to ensure impact and alignment with national and international priorities.
In recent years, our research investments have included:
- Summer Scholarships: In 2018, we increased our support to fund six student scholarships, helping build capacity in arthritis-related research
- The Economic Cost of Arthritis in New Zealand (2018): We commissioned and launched this key report in Parliament to provide up-to-date data for policymakers, funders, and researchers. It is available in our Reports section below
- Evaluation of Gout Programmes: In 2020, we funded an independent evaluation of the Gout Stop and Owning My Gout management programmes. The findings are also available in the Reports section
- Research Action Plan (2021–2023): In early 2021, we completed a strategic review of our research programme. This led to the publication of the Arthritis New Zealand Research Objectives and Research Action Plan (2021–2023).
- Lupus/SLE Postdoctoral Fellowship: In October 2021, we opened our inaugural Lupus/SLE Postdoctoral Fellowship funding round, made possible through the generous bequest of the late Dorothy Ashbolt
Future opportunities
We encourage all researchers working in the field of arthritis and musculoskeletal health to connect with us. Our aim is to foster collaboration, support initiatives that reflect the diverse needs of people living with arthritis, and generate robust evidence that can be translated into practice and policy.
Why do we fund research?
Arthritis NZ funds research to provide information or an "evidence base" that has been produced by highly qualified researchers and their teams through careful, well-planned and ethically approved research projects.
We also provide students who are enrolled in recognised tertiary courses or are undertaking relevant professional training the opportunity to participate in short research projects every summer under the supervision of experienced supervisors with a research background.
The research findings are then used to inform the development and delivery of our programmes, support services, community engagement and advocacy work. All research we fund ultimately seeks to improve the lives of people affected by arthritis.