Research Priorities

In this edition, we have an interesting original contribution about research priority setting, relating to life after stroke. Although this is quite specific and importantly is the component of the stroke pathway that affects those with stroke and their carers most, it is an opportunity to think more broadly about stroke research priorities. Pocock et al. quite nicely set out the process involved in priority setting, which must involve all-important stakeholders. Patient representation and input are the most critical to involve, as ultimately, this is the group most affected. Although this example focuses on life after stroke, it would be equally appropriate to develop research priorities for prevention, acute management, rehabilitation, and broader community aspects. Perhaps then, an overall top 10 research priorities list could be generated. This is an ideal role for the World Stroke Organization. Priorities will also vary from country to country, and region to region; for example, research into ICH is more likely to be a higher priority in Asian nations where the incidence is higher than anywhere else in the world. In developing nations, research priorities are less likely to focus on basic research and more on the fundamentals of systems approaches to efficient and broadly applicable stroke care to reduce the burgeoning burden of disease in those regions. Logically, individual stakeholder groups will have their own priorities, thus emphasizing the need to have a broad representation of these stakeholders for any priority setting agenda. This edition also brings some fascinating information about Stroke Unit Care and Trends of In-Hospital Mortality for Stroke in Germany, several articles on carotid endartectomy and stenting, as well as quite novel findings around the idea of aortic stiffness as a predictor of coronary artery diseases in stroke and TIA patients. We continue to attract an increasing number of very highquality original articles and increasingly supportive investigators who provide outstanding reviews on topical subjects. We are grateful for all of these contributions for they all add to the ongoing success of the International Journal of Stroke, and that is our priority for you, reader! DOI: 10.1111/ijs.12265 Editorial