Agricultural research is vital for sustainable food production. However, due to changing driving factors, researchers and funding bodies have to prioritize research. We conducted horizon scanning to determine how rice systems might change by 2050 and to prioritize research gaps. The study involved 101 rice experts from 31 countries. Experts identified research gaps and prioritized these based on novelty and relevance. The top 25 research gaps were about sustainability, agricultural development, rice crop science (genetics, breeding and crop physiology), and policies. By addressing these research gaps, researchers will tackle the most pressing issues and contribute towards the sustainability of rice systems.