Our research

The Epidemiology Group's programme of applied epidemiological research is focused on rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions, and we conduct this work as part of the Aberdeen Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health (www.abdn.ac.uk/acamh).  Through our research we seek to understand mechanisms of disease onset and outcome, which then informs our programme of observational studies and randomised controlled trials on disease management.  This in turn feeds into our work on designing, implementing and evaluating health services for patients with these conditions.

We also have a major interest in occupational outcomes in arthritis and musculoskeletal health and host the Versus Arthritis / Medical Research Council Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work (https://www.cmhw.uk).

Building on our well-established and internationally recognised programme of pain research we work in three main clinical areas:

1. Common disabling conditions (musculoskeletal pain, including fibromyalgia, and fatigue);
2. Inflammatory rheumatic disease (e.g. axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis, including rarer conditions such as systemic vasculitis)
3. Opioid medications and pain after surgery