On an annual basis, NIAMS holds a series of roundtable discussions to examine the unmet needs and opportunities that could potentially be nurtured through our basic, translational, and clinical research portfolios. Information garnered from these roundtables is integrated into our long-range planning and priority-setting process, and complements the research areas highlighted within the NIAMS FY 2015-2019 Long-Range Plan.

NIAMS is committed to advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the diseases and disorders within our research portfolio. Through these annual roundtables — in addition to many other scientific planning and priority-setting activities undertaken by the Institute, including trans-NIH activities — the NIAMS leadership and scientific staff have an opportunity to discuss the most pressing issues under consideration by both researchers and patients. This helps position the Institute to appropriately guide our research efforts and, ultimately, improve the health of the American public.