Groundbreaking research at the University of Aberdeen into chronic pain and bone and joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis has officially been recognised.
The European League against Rheumatism or EULAR has awarded ‘Centre of Excellence’ status based on research from the University’s musculoskeletal research collaboration.
Aberdeen is one of only a few centres in the UK to have such accreditation which deems the quality of the research to be of international importance.
And to celebrate the achievement the University is staging a special EULAR research day next Tuesday (April 19) at the Suttie Centre at Foresterhill where the public can find out about some of the work underway into these diseases.
Prof Miep Helfrich, head of the musculoskeletal research collaboration, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive the EULAR Centre of Excellence status and our special day is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to hear more about some of the bone and musculoskeletal research taking place right on their doorstep.”
Short layman’s talks will take place between 10am and 12.15pm and these include sessions on the interactions between bone and the immune system; patient based research; imaging joints in bone diseases; pain epidemiology studies; exercise and cognitive behavioural therapy for treatment of chronic widespread pain; clinical research, the use of stem cells to treat arthritis and an overview of research into ankylosing spondylitis.
Dr Lynne Hocking, a Senior Research Fellow within the musculoskeletal group who is helping to organise the open day, said: “The EULAR research day should be of interest to anyone who has any of these conditions or who cares for someone in this situation. We would also welcome along health professionals working in these areas, medical and research students and those working in public health.”
For catering purposes only, please register your interest in attending with Hazel Paterson on 01224 437349 or email h.a.paterson@abdn.ac.uk