Keele recognised as global research leader in musculoskeletal disorders and primary care

Keele's research on musculoskeletal disorders has been recognised as No.1 in the world in a newly-released international ranking. 

The ScholarGPS Institutional Rankings 2025, which scored universities around the world on both the quality and quantity of their research in a variety of fields, have seen Keele achieving outstanding global positions across key health research specialities, ranking no.1 in the world for Musculoskeletal Disorders, and also no.2 in the world for Primary Care research. 

ScholarGPS Institutional Rankings evaluate universities based on the achievements of their most active scholars, measuring both the quantity and quality of research output.  

The methodology considers lifetime or recent five-year publication contributions, and those who have generated outstanding work of meaningful impact (judged by higher numbers of citations) and excellent quality. 

The research taking place in Keele’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences seeks to tackle some of the most pressing healthcare challenges facing people around the world to help them live longer, healthier lives. 

From pioneering new treatments and therapies for things like osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal pain, to helping people better manage conditions like osteoporosis and inflammatory arthritis, the research taking place at Keele is changing lives at home and around the world. 

Professor Christian Mallen, Executive Dean in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Keele', said: "These results show the global impact of Keele’s research, and the role our researchers play in improving patient care and shaping clinical practice in areas that affect millions of people worldwide. 

“The work pioneered here in North Staffordshire has global significance, and it’s extremely rewarding to see that potential recognised in these new rankings.”