University researchers awarded major international research prizes

Two researchers from the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre (MRC LEU), University of Southampton have been recognised by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF).

Both Elaine Dennison, Professor of Musculoskeletal Epidemiology and Dr Nicholas Fuggle, NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Rheumatology, received prizes at the 2022 World Congress in Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases.

Professor Dennison was awarded the prestigious IOF Olof Johnell Science Award, which recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of osteoporosis in a scientific or policy implementation area worldwide.

The Award is named after the late Professor Olof Johnell, a renowned investigator whose legacy includes major contributions to epidemiologic research, guideline development, and healthcare policy in the field of osteoporosis.

Professor Dennison’s research interest centres around musculoskeletal aging. She said: “I am truly honoured to be recognised in this way. It is testimony to the many colleagues and collaborators I have had the good fortune to work with, and I look forward to continuing our work into musculoskeletal aging in the coming years.”

Professor Cyrus Cooper, Director of the MRC LEC and President of the International Osteoporosis Foundation, commented: "I am delighted to present this prestigious Award to Elaine Dennison, who has been a valued colleague for over 25 years. She is an internationally recognized clinician, researcher, and educator who has been Instrumental in driving research in the field of musculoskeletal aging, osteoporosis and metabolic bone diseases. The MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre is privileged to have Professor Dennison on the team."

Dr Fuggle was presented with the annual ESCEO-IOF Pierre Meunier Young Scientist Award, by the IOF and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO). The award celebrates young investigators in the field who have demonstrated outstanding scientific merit early in their careers. He was also presented with an ESCEO-IOF Young Investigator Award.

Professor Jean-Yves Reginster, ESCEO President and Co-Chair of WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2022 noted: “The ESCEO-IOF Pierre Meunier Young Scientist Award is awarded to a young investigator who has demonstrated outstanding scientific merit early in his or her career, prior to reaching a prominent academic position, and who is expected to be a future thought-leader in the musculoskeletal field. We are delighted to present this prestigious award to Dr Fuggle, who has already made significant contributions to research in the fields of musculoskeletal ageing, sarcopenia, osteoporosis, epigenetics, and digital healthcare. We also thank him for his valuable support and commitment to advancing secondary fracture prevention through his role in the IOF Capture the Fracture® programme.”

The World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases is the world’s largest forum for the presentation of clinical research and new advances in the prevention and management of musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, sarcopenia, and frailty.

The excellent work of MRC LEC Early Career Researchers was also recognised at the international event. Dr Millie Parsons and Dr Faidra Laskou received ESCEO-AgNovos Healthcare Young Investigator Awards and Dr Jean Zhang was awarded an ESCEO-IOF Young Investigator Award.

MRC LEC researchers including Professor Cooper, Professor Dennison, Professor Nicholas Harvey, and Professor Kate Ward gave presentations and ‘meet the expert’ sessions at the Congress, while Dr Fuggle, Dr Parsons, Dr Gregorio Bevilacqua and Dr Leo Westbury contributed oral presentations.