research priorities of kerman medical sciences university: a documentary study

background: setting research priorities is an important process in management of health researches. if this process is carried out based on the goals and values ​​of the health system, the actual needs will be properly met. this study is aimed to determine research priorities of kerman medical sciences university.   methods: in this documentary study, content analysis method was used. the study was base on upstream documents, which were selected purposefully. data collection tools were checklist and a researcher-made questionnaire. results: research priorities were identified in two categories of structural - organizational studies and environmental researches. the first category of research priorities included human resources, budget management, research management, organizational structure, facilities and physical space, knowledge management, information technology, business processes and organizational culture and the second group of research priorities included health supporting environments, community empowerment, equity in health, the quality of services, and health culture.   conclusion: setting research priorities based on upstream documents review is a favorable method to determine priorities consistent with actual needs. in this method, priorities will be determined based on goals and values of the system and the existing needs and problems. using the integrative approach of documents review and utilizing beneficiaries' involvement is also recommended to obtain better results.