Last week the Epidemiology Group of IAHS hosted UK-RiME (UK Research in Musculoskeletal Epidemiology), an annual meeting of academic units across the UK with a focus on musculoskeletal (MSK) epidemiology.
This event was the latest annual opportunity for like-minded researchers to get together to explore the latest MSK research currently being conducted across the UK, with a specific focus on showcasing early career research, creating space for the development of skills and exploring further networking and collaboration opportunities. The two days saw a packed programme of research updates and social events split between the majestic Ardoe House Hotel (just outside Aberdeen) and our own historic King’s Conference Centre.
Having run annually since 2014, 2025 marks the first time the event has been hosted in Aberdeen. We were delighted to welcome delegates from institutions throughout the UK, including the Universities of Manchester, Oxford, Bristol, Nottingham, East Anglia (UEA) and Keele University.
This year’s meeting coincided with 20 years since the establishment of the current UoA Epidemiology Group, which began with the appointment of Professors Gary Macfarlane and Gareth Jones in 2005. The Epidemiology Group are planning a number of festivities throughout the year to celebrate this milestone, which you can follow via the group’s LinkedIn channel. You can read a chapter detailing the journey of the Epidemiology Group here.
UK-RiME is made possible by the generous funding of Versus Arthritis, which has been supporting the collaboration since it began. Illustrating their ongoing support of research in arthritis and musculoskeletal epidemiology, representatives of several of the institutions involved are part of the recently awarded Versus Arthritis Consortium in Epidemiology. The Consortium will deliver a comprehensive programme of research over the next five years from 2025-2030, with University of Aberdeen leading on specific workpackages focussed on health inequalities (Dr Rosemary Hollick), and lifecourse influences on chronic pain (Professor Gary Macfarlane). You can find out more about the Consortium here.