A Keele University professor has won a national award for her research to improve the care of people living with osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

Professor Zoe Paskins has spent the last 10 years studying the conditions that weaken bones and cause joints to become painful, with her work revealing how they are often underdiagnosed, undertreated, and misunderstood.

Now, she has received the Michael Mason Award, which is awarded by the British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) to recognise excellence in clinical or scientific research in the field of rheumatology.

Professor Paskins, Professor of Rheumatology at Keele and Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist at Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: "I'm really thrilled to be receiving this award. The diseases I research, although very common, are often deprioritised. Globally, more than 500 million people live with osteoarthritis, and one in two women and one in five men aged 50 and above will suffer an osteoporotic fracture. It is estimated that these broken bones cost the UK £4.4 billion a year and can cause significant physical, psychological and social issues."

Through her research, Professor Paskins has provided new knowledge about the impact of osteoporosis and current care shortfalls; enhanced interventions to improve the care of people with the diseases; informed clinical guidelines and championed patient and public involvement in research.

She added: "The research that has led to the award showcases the importance of the social sciences in health research, and the importance and contribution of public involvement in research."

Winners of the award receive a trophy, a prize of £1,000 and the opportunity to present their work at the annual British Society of Rheumatology conference and publish their research in the Rheumatology journal.