The Office of Autoimmune Disease Research: A Federal Focus on the Future

NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Autoimmune Disease Research

The NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Autoimmune Disease Research marks the first time the federal government has established a coordinated roadmap to accelerate autoimmune disease research across the National Institutes of Health. This inaugural plan, developed in response to a Congressional directive, was shaped by robust engagement from the autoimmune disease community, including researchers, clinicians, advocacy organizations, and patients. It reflects a shared vision to set cross-cutting priorities and elevate autoimmune diseases as a national research priority.

This plan signals the start of a new era in autoimmune research. With over 140 conditions impacting at least 50 million Americans, the need for a unified, strategic approach has never been greater. The plan outlines a path forward to advance discovery, foster collaboration, and ultimately improve outcomes for those living with or at risk for autoimmune diseases. We invite you to explore the plan and join us in championing this vital work.

Questions or comments about the Strategic Plan? Let us know!

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About the Office of Autoimmune Disease Research

The Office of Autoimmune Disease Research (OADR) was established in 2023 as part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the U.S. government. It is housed within the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) and is responsible for coordinating and advancing autoimmune disease research across NIH institutes and centers.

Key functions of the Office of Autoimmune Disease Research include:

• Coordinate development of a multi–institute and center (IC) strategic research plan
• Identify emerging areas of innovation and research opportunity
• Coordinate and foster collaborative research across ICs
• Annually evaluate the NIH autoimmune disease research (ADR) portfolio
• Provide resources to support planning, collaboration, and innovation
• Develop a publicly accessible central repository for ADR. 

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Enhancing NIH Research on Autoimmune Disease
Report

A 2022 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine assessing the autoimmune disease research portfolio of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Based on the recommendations in this report, Congress issued a directive to establish the OADR.

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Autoimmune Voices: Threads of Hope – Victoria Shanmugam, MD
Podcast

Victoria Shanmugam, MD, director of the OADR, discusses the growing prevalence of autoimmune diseases, the historical challenges in autoimmune disease research, and the key role the OADR is playing in coordinating and advancing this critical area of study.

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The Economic Impact of Autoimmune Disease Research
Webpage

Learn more about the economic burden of autoimmune disease and how research strengthens the U.S. economy.

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Autoimmune Disease Research Across the NIH
Webpage

An overview of the NIH’s autoimmune disease research portfolio.

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How Research Works
Video

Explore how research happens at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—from an initial idea or question, to securing funding, to discoveries that can change lives. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the process that powers scientific breakthroughs.

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Enhancing NIH Research on Autoimmune Disease: A Path Forward with the Office of Autoimmune Disease Research
Video

Learn about the genesis of the Office of Autoimmune Disease Research, why it is important to the future of autoimmune research, what impacts it will have on patients, and the important role it will play for accelerating discoveries in understanding, treatment, and prevention.

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Autoimmunity Has Reached Epidemic Levels. We Need Urgent Action to Address It
Opinion

Most autoimmune diseases are being diagnosed in increasing numbers ranging from 3 to 12 percent annually across the globe. To address this growing epidemic, we urgently need coordinated research, standardized definitions, national data collection, and a dedicated institute at the NIH to drive prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately, cures. Published in Scientific American.

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