Keele recognised as one of Europe’s leading rheumatology research centres

Keele University’s School of Medicine has once again been recognised as one of the best rheumatology research centres in Europe. 

The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has again awarded the partnership between Keele University’s Centre for Musculoskeletal Health Research and the Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust’s Haywood Hospital the status of “Centre of Excellence”. This is an honour given to recognise the top research centres in European rheumatology. 

The title is valid for five years and was previously awarded to the School in 2021, with researchers being successful in their application to renew Centre of Excellence status this year. 

The title honours Keele’s outstanding links with local NHS partners and the university’s high-quality multidisciplinary research into musculoskeletal conditions like osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, pain and osteoporosis. 

The EULAR Centres of Excellence in Rheumatology scheme aims to bring together the top rheumatology research centres in Europe, and only those who have the highest levels of high-impact research are successful in gaining Centre of Excellence status. 

Professor Samantha Hider and Dr Ian Scott, who co-led the bid for Centre of Excellence status, were presented with a plaque to commemorate the achievement at the recent EULAR congress event in London. 

Professor Hider said: “We are delighted our centre has received this award, which recognises the range of high-quality musculoskeletal research being undertaken across our multidisciplinary teams.” 

Dr Scott added: “The award will also help us to connect with other Centres of Excellence, working together to improve patient care and support the development of the next generation of musculoskeletal health researchers.”