The ADA's research priorities contribute to a bright future for dietetics professionals

The ADA research philosophy is that research is the foundation of the profession, providing the basis for practice, education, and policy (6,7). Evidence-based practice and the development of nutrition care guidelines presume that the body of research is adequate and continually addresses key questions related to provision of nutrition care (13). Key characteristics of a viable profession and strategies for success include the continual infusion of ideas and effective use of research in evidence-based practice (5,14). Involvement of all the members of the profession is essential to the continued dynamic nature of dietetics. It is necessary to ensure that ADA members, ADA organizational units, and external funding organizations address the most important research. The Research Committee is exploring how to measure progress toward the research priorities and determine how to update the priorities on an ongoing basis to reflect the current research needs of the dietetics profession.