Centre for Musculoskeletal Research Officially Launched

Caleb has been engaged in musculoskeletal research for a long time. However, this is the first instance where it has officially been recognized as a Keele Research Centre. This presents an opportunity for us to showcase the extensive research conducted at the international level over the years. It is also a chance to explore new research areas, form new partnerships, and seek opportunities to disseminate and share our findings, making a broader impact on the world.

Our research covers various musculoskeletal conditions, with a focus on key issues such as back pain, shoulder pain, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, inflammatory arthritis, rheumatoid problems, gout, and PMR. We investigate these conditions in different settings, both in the general population to determine prevalence and in primary care to understand healthcare-seeking behaviours, treatments, and develop new therapeutic approaches.

The centre includes full-time researchers with diverse backgrounds, ranging from biomedical science to social sciences and statistics. Some individuals associated with the centre work part-time in academia and part-time in clinical practice, including rheumatologists, physiotherapists, GPs, and others. This dual role allows them to transfer knowledge between clinical practice and research.

The centre has strong links with clinical organizations throughout the UK and collaborates with clinical research networks for participant recruitment. Additionally, we closely collaborate with the clinical trials unit at Keele, which manages many of our large randomized control trials and cohort studies. This integrated approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of musculoskeletal conditions and contributes to the development of effective treatments.