There is a focus on translational biomedical research. In addition there is attention for care research. There are three central themes based on three specific patient populations: patient with rheumatoid arthritis, with osteoarthritis, and with systemic immune diseases. In each of these themes, various research lines are subject of study.
In all cases cohorts of patients are the basis, enabling clinical (epidemiologic) studies, as well as ex vivo research. These cohorts are also a source of biomaterials for more fundamental in vitro approaches. Questions arising from clinical practice will be studied using these in vitro and ex vivo approaches. When findings appear of relevance they are tested in animal models and subsequently may enter clinical trials.