Epidemiology

The Epidemiology Group is one of the major research groups within the Institute of Applied Health Science. Our main research focus is on the epidemiology, outcome and management of arthritis , pain, and musculoskeletal health. In our research we aim:

• To understand their epidemiology, with a focus on modifiable risk factors;
• To conduct trials of management with the goal of preventing onset or improving patient outcome; and
• To design, implement and evaluate health services for patients with these conditions.

Our specific clinical focus is on common disabling conditions (musculoskeletal pain, including fibromyalgia, and fatigue), inflammatory disorders (e.g. axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis, including rarer conditions such as systemic vasculitis), and opioid medications and pain after surgery.

This interdisciplinary programme brings together clinicians, researchers, policy makers and patients, and combines a number of different approaches including both quantitative and qualitative methods, with an emphasis on patient-centred involvement and co-design. This approach aims to develop person-centred, effective and sustainable improvements in musculoskeletal health at a population level and improvements in well-being for those living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions.

We are a part of the Aberdeen Centre for Research Excellence in Musculoskeletal Health (ABC-MSK), which has held “Centre of Excellence in Rheumatology” status by the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) since 2010, currently renewed until 2026.

We also offer courses in epidemiological research methods, and have run intensive courses here in Aberdeen, attracting delegates from all over the world, for over 30 years. We have recently announced a new online Aberdeen Short Course in Epidemiology for 2026. You can find further information about the course here.