Above and beyond its continual support work, the Arthritis Foundations are spearheading the push to find the cause of and better treatment and management of arthritis.

THE ROLES OF AFA INCLUDE:

	To raise and manage funds for research, and
	To be the central body for allocating research grants.

Assoc Prof Graeme Jones of Hobart is the current Medical Director of the Arthritis Foundation of Australia and Chair of the Research Grants Assessment Committee.

The AFA conducts an annual research competition open to both national and international researchers. This year AFA will commit around $350,000 to research, including support for the University of Sydney's Chair of Rheumatology.

In addition, several Affiliates have direct commitments to research within their States, and this year a total of $315,000 will be provided in support of such programmes as:

	Westmead Hospital Rheumatology Unit Research Programme(NSW)
	Arthritis Queensland Rheumatology Research Unit
	Centre for Rheumatological Disease (Vic)
	Western Australian Arthritis Foundation Research Grants

If you would like more information or you would like to support the AFA Research effort please contact the Arthritis Foundation in your state.

Phone: 1800 011 041