Take part in arthritis research

How you can get involved in our research

People like you with lived experience of arthritis are key to bringing real life perspectives to shape arthritis research. When you get involved in our research, you'll work in all our activities to ensure that the research we fund and support is of the highest quality and based on the needs of people with arthritis.

Our collective aim is to maximise improvements to your quality of life through research and for future generations to come. You can 

• have your say on the research we fund by helping Arthritis UK to prioritise research projects or researchers, or
• take part in a research project by answering key research questions by completing questionnaires, sharing your lived experience or taking part of a clinical study.

Have your say on the research we fund

We fund researchers to explore new treatments and services. Your thoughts and opinions help guide us with what is important to people living with arthritis. If you have lived experience of arthritis, or you are a parent, partner or carer of someone with arthritis, you can have your say on the research Arthritis UK funds.

You could

• join funding panels where you can help decide if a researcher, or a researcher’s project, should receive Arthritis UK funding.
• help us agree which research areas are important to fund.

You can choose the level of work and time commitment that suits you. We are happy to explore different ways to support you to make sure your views are heard and acted upon.

• You don't need any experience of contributing to or working in research.
• We will provide you with all the training and support you need.
• Getting involved won’t cost you anything other than time. All reasonable expenses will be covered in line with our policy.

Work directly with researchers

There are also opportunities to work directly with researchers; shaping their projects and their research, ensuring that is arthritis-friendly and consistent with arthritis priorities.

Most of our research work together is done online, and you will be supported in accessing and using any technology. You can contribute as little or as much as you wish depending on your availability.