NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit

The Section of Musculoskeletal Disease is led by Professor Paul Emery, who holds an Arthritis Research Campaign (arc) Chair. The group brings together clinical academics and basic scientists in a unique research environment that aims “to prevent disability and improve quality of life through research”. The Section is internationally recognised, particularly in the area of inflammatory arthritis. Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology (Emery/Conaghan/Bird/McDermott), Orthopaedic (Dickson/Giannoudis), Rehabilitation (Bhakta/Tennant) and Bio-engineering (Seedhom) departments are located across SJUH, LGI, CAH and UoL sites, enabling access to large patient cohorts and facilitating patient based research. An arc Programme Grant, mainly in relation to the Leeds Early Arthritis Project (LEAP), has allowed the development and continuation of a number of clinical projects. The basic science side of the Section, Experimental Rheumatology, encompasses 4 groups: * Therapeutic Response to Biologics led by Profs McDermott and Emery; * Stem Cell Biology, led by Prof Dennis McGonagle and Dr Elena Jones; * Molecular Rheumatology led by Dr Ann Morgan; * Pathogenesis of Immune Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, led by Dr Frederique Ponchel. The research strategy of the Section has been built around its special infrastructure and ability to undertake sustainable research that translates immediately to people with arthritis. In the next five years, our clinical and experimental research will continue to focus on diagnostic and prognostic classification of arthritis, particularly early RA, alongside further development of interventions aiming at remission, including drug-free. Imaging for Musculoskeletal Disease will be a priority, with investment in MRI, gait analysis and ultrasound equipment to evaluate diagnostic and prognostic tools. The Section is among the world leaders for published Musculoskeletal Disease related research for the last five years.