Centre for Musculoskeletal Research
Musculoskeletal diseases account for nearly one third of disabilities in the UK.
As one of the most successful musculoskeletal research groups in the UK, our aim is to invest in research to improve the lives of patients with musculoskeletal conditions, including inflammatory arthritis, connective tissue disease, osteoarthritis and pain and our studies include both adults and children.
Led by Professor Kimme Hyrich, more than 100 members of academic and support staff are working to find the causes and consequences of musculoskeletal conditions as well as better ways to treat them.
Our research includes the following conditions:
- Inflammatory myositis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Pain and fatigue
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Systemic sclerosis
Centres and registries
Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis
Using genetic studies, we investigate the genes that increase the risk of developing disease. Our functional genomics work is leading the way in understanding how these genes lead to disease.
Visit Centre for Genetics and Genomics
Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis
We are addressing clinically important questions in musculoskeletal disease that require a robust epidemiological approach, delivering results to improve the quality of life for people living with arthritis.
Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)
The musculoskeletal theme of the BRC covers inflammatory arthritis, childhood arthritis, connective tissue diseases and degenerative joint diseases. We focus on using biomarkers to help predict outcomes and personalisation of treatment.
Visit Manchester Biomedical Research Centre
Biologics studies group
The BSRBR-RA study monitors the long-term safety of biologic and other targeted therapies prescribed to people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
The BILAG Biologics Register (BILAG BR) is looking at the safety and effectiveness of biologic and biosimilar treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Projects and resources
We work on a number of interdisciplinary projects that cut across our funding streams.
Projects
Childhood Arthritis Prospective Study (CAPS)
CAPS aims to identify the predictors of short-term and long-term outcome following presentation with childhood-onset inflammatory arthritis.
We also aim to identify the relative contributions of socio-demographic, clinical, psychological, laboratory and genetic factors and treatment in explaining outcome.
Biologics in Rheumatoid Arthritis Genetics and Genomics Study Syndicate (BRAGGSS)
The BRAGGSS study collects data from patients receiving biologic therapy to evaluate the role of genetic variation, psychological status, clinical variables, serological measures and environmental factors in determining response to treatment.
Identification of causal genes and pathways for musculoskeletal diseases using functional genomics
Prof Gisela Orozco is the director of the Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis.
She is interested in functional characterisation of risk loci to identify causal genes and pathways in musculoskeletal diseases, with the goal of translating GWAS findings into biological disease mechanisms and suggesting novel therapeutic targets.
Norfolk Arthritis Register (NOAR)
NOAR is a register of people with different types of inflammatory arthritis (IP). It is the world’s first true primary care-based cohort study of new cases of IP. Since 1990 more than 4,500 patients have been recruited. Funder: Versus Arthritis
The British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Registers (BSRBR-RA)
BSRBR-RA is one of the largest prospective studies of rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving biologic/biosimilar drugs in the world. It aims to monitor the long-term safety of these drugs. It is a unique collaboration between the University, the BSR and the pharmaceutical industry.
Study and research opportunities
Develop your career in musculoskeletal research or clinical rheumatology in a centre of research excellence. We’re committed to training future scientists and clinicians in the latest research and clinical techniques.
Visiting researchers
We welcome enquiries from researchers at any stage to discuss opportunities for research visits (from a few weeks to a year or more)
PhD
We have a strong track record of postgraduate research supervision, with all graduates securing further employment in education or industry.
The Centre is currently home to many PhD students.
Find out more about our PhD programme, or view available projects and studentships.
Taster projects
Are you a trainee interested in developing your research skills and CV? If so, you may wish to consider one of our taster projects. You can register your interest by completing our trainee expression of interest form.
People
The Centre is home to 29 active researchers, including two NIHR senior investigators.
Our interdisciplinary expertise ranges from basic genetics to digital epidemiology and experimental medicine.
We also have excellent clinical links, with seven of our senior researchers also working as clinicians in NHS Trusts.
Clinical and research fellows are active in the Centre, including fellows funded by Wellcome Trust and MRC. We offer a supportive environment for early career researchers, including help to apply for fellowships. Every month we encourage our researchers to present their ideas to senior staff to get valuable feedback.
Contact us
Centre for Musculoskeletal Research
2nd floor, Stopford Building
The University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PT
Find us: Campus map (Building 79)