A Keele Professor’s distinguished career in osteoarthritis research has been recognised with a prestigious award from an internationally renowned research society. 

Professor Krysia Dziedzic, Professor of Musculoskeletal Therapies in the School of Medicine, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Osteoarthritis Research Society International at their annual conference in Vienna, honouring her significant contributions to osteoarthritis research throughout her career. 

As Director of Keele’s Impact Accelerator Unit, Professor Dziedzic’s work is focused on increasing the speed at which health and care research becomes health and care practice, working with patients, communities, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to assist the uptake of new therapies and treatments. 

The overarching aim of her work is to maximise the benefits of world-leading research in making a difference to the quality of life and care for those with, or at risk of, osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.  

Not only has her research been cited in international healthcare guidelines, but she has also led applied health research and then worked to implement those findings into practice around the world. 

Examples include her JIGSAW-E project, which supported healthcare professions in six European countries to address the unmet needs of adults with osteoarthritis, by not only helping people to self-manage their condition but also supporting healthcare professionals to implement research and research-led osteoarthritis care in their practice. 

She is also an NIHR Senior Investigator, a member of the NIHR School for Primary Care Research, the NIHR West Midlands Applied Health and Care Research Collaboration, Visiting Professor in the University of the West of England, and currently Dean of Research in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Keele. 

Professor Dziedzic said: “I’m so grateful to my peers Professors Clare Jinks and Mel Holden who nominated me for this prestigious award, especially during the year that Keele celebrates its 75th anniversary. Through its world-leading centres of musculoskeletal and primary care research Keele has been a driving force in osteoarthritis research for over three decades. I’ve been lucky to have been a part of this.  

“Our Versus Arthritis Musculoskeletal Centre of Excellence for Primary Care has made a substantial impact to the lives of people living with pain by shaping policy, and helping to transform health and care services. Our research track record is also built upon funding from the NIHR School for Primary Care Research and our partnerships with local practices.” 

OARSI is the premier international organisation for scientists and healthcare professionals focused on the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis through the promotion and presentation of research, education and the worldwide dissemination of new knowledge. 

The OARSI Lifetime Achievement Award is intended to honour a person who has devoted much of their career (at least 20 years) to the advancement of the science associated with osteoarthritis. 

Professor Christian Mallen, Executive Dean for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Keele, added: “Krysia is a world leading osteoarthritis researcher, and I am delighted to see her being recognised through this OARSI award. Krysia is a passionate advocate for improving care for people with osteoarthritis whose portfolio of research has changed lives around the world."