The DRFZ investigates the long‐term outcomes of rheumatic diseases, including the impact of current treatment options, in order to inform clinical decision making, identify unmet needs and improve health care. Biomedical research identifies the cells initiating and those driving rheumatic diseases, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our aim is the development of improved, personalised, at best curative therapies for patients with rheumatic diseases, and their rapid translation into clinical practice.