ABSTRACT – METHODOLOGY CORE Significant gaps persist in the understanding of disease onset, progression, and optimal treatment approaches for osteoarthritis (OA) and other rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). There is a critical need for high quality, innovative and efficient clinical RMD studies that will successfully address these key research questions and meaningfully impact the lives of patients with these conditions. The Methodology Core of University of North Carolina Core Center for Clinical Research is uniquely equipped to provide a comprehensive suite of state-of-the-art resources to optimize clinical RMD studies locally, nationally, and internationally. Our Methodology Core includes researchers with expertise in in biostatistics, epidemiology, data science, clinical trials, dissemination and implementation, study logistics, imaging, biomarkers, social determinants of health, intervention development, clinical aspects of RMDs, and education. We have a long, successful track record of designing and conducting seminal clinical RMD studies, developing junior investigators into independent researchers, fostering national/international collaborations, delivering methodological training to RMD communities, leading national and international work groups, and influencing public policy. Building and expanding on our proven processes and established infrastructure, the Methodology Core will continue to serve the clinical RMD research community by achieving three specific aims. First, we will provide comprehensive, rigorous multidisciplinary methodological services that support and advance clinical RMD research, emphasizing development and application of innovative statistical and data science methodologies. This will be achieved through a series of ongoing activities including Advisory, Brainstorming and Consultative (ABC) group sessions and individual consultations. Second, we will support the activities of our Phenotyping and Precision Medicine Resource Core, particularly through collaboration on advanced statistical analyses and data science methodologies. Third, we will develop and deliver state-of-the-art educational materials and training that prepare researchers, both locally and nationally/internationally, to conduct high quality, innovative clinical RMD studies and analyses. This will be achieved through conference symposia, webinars, and intensive training and mentoring of early career investigators. The Methodology Core, in collaboration with the Resource Core, will leverage a wealth of scientific expertise and experience to significantly advance clinical RMD research. We are poised to support our research community in making major impacts in the lives of individuals with RMDs.