Bone disease experts from all over world gather in Aberdeen

More than 200 doctors and researchers who are striving to prevent and better treat common bone diseases will tomorrow gather in Aberdeen.

Scientists from the University of Aberdeen's internationally renowned bone group have organised this year's annual meeting of the Bone Research Society which is taking place at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (July 3 – 5).

Delegates are travelling from across the world to attend the conference where the latest research into diseases such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and Paget's will come under scrutiny.

The meeting chairman is Professor David Reid who is Chair in Rheumatology at the University of Aberdeen and a world recognised expert in the field of osteoporosis. He said: "We are delighted that the annual meeting of the Bone Research Society is coming to Aberdeen.

"It gives us an opportunity to welcome some international experts to Aberdeen as well as to showcase some of the excellent local work we are doing at the University of Aberdeen both in the laboratory and at the bedside.

"We are also delighted to be hosting over 30 young scientists from five Universities funded by the Oliver Bird Fund of the Nuffield Foundation which is a highly exciting opportunity to network for some of the countries' best young talent studying bone and joint disease."

Around 100 presentations will be made over the three days of the meeting, with lectures from leading international experts as well as talks and poster presentations from younger researchers, many of whom may be discussing their work at a major meeting for the very first time.  The work presented at the Bone Research Society meeting is of a consistently high standard and several awards will be given during the course of the meeting.

A keynote lecture on ethical considerations and medical research will also be delivered by Professor Neva Haites, Head of the College of Life Sciences and Vice-Principal at the University of Aberdeen.

The event will be supported by some of the leading pharmaceutical and diagnostics companies, including Amgen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Nycomed, Pfizer, Procter and Gamble (with Sanofi-Aventis), Roche (with Glaxo-Smith-Kline), Shire and Strakan.  They, and other companies, will be showcasing their latest products at an exhibition, also to be held at the AECC.