Southampton researchers honoured with international awards
Researchers from University of Southampton have received major international awards at the 2023 World Congress in Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases.
Nicholas Harvey, Professor of Rheumatology and Clinical Epidemiology, and Director of the University of Southampton’s MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre (MRC LEC), received the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) Olof Johnell Science Award.
Bestowed by the IOF annually, the prestigious award recognised researchers for their outstanding contributions to the field of osteoporosis. It is named after the late Professor Olof Johnell, a renowned investigator whose legacy includes major contributions to epidemiological research, guideline development, and healthcare policy in the field of osteoporosis.
Professor Harvey commented: “It is an enormous honour to receive this prestigious international award, which is accepted very much on behalf of my friends and colleagues at the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton. It was particularly pleasing that the award was presented by Professor Cyrus Cooper, forerunning MRC LEC Director, my long-standing mentor and friend, and someone who had known and worked closely with Olof Johnell in the genesis of the modern era of osteoporosis fracture risk assessment.”
The excellent work of MRC LEC Early Career Researchers was also recognised, with Stefania D’Angelo, Dr Lucy Gates and Dr Leo Westbury each receiving IOF-ESCEO Young Investigator awards, and Dr Faidra Laskou receiving an IOF Early Career Nutrition Research Award.
Southampton research was present throughout the Congress. Expert sessions were given by Professor Cooper, Professor Nicholas Harvey, Professor Elaine Dennison, Professor Kate Ward and Dr Nicholas Fuggle.
Dr Beth Curtis, Stefania D’Angelo, Dr Becca Moon, Dr Gregorio Bevilacqua, Dr Elena Zaballa, Dr Faidra Laskou, Dr Lucy Gates and Dr Leo Westbury contributed presentations covering their scientific work as part of the MRC LEC programmatic research.
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.
This was the first face-to-face Congress meeting since 2019 with more than 3000 people attending, with a similar number joining online.
Speaking about Professor Harvey’s award, IOF President Cyrus Cooper stated: “On behalf of IOF, and as a long-time colleague, I am personally delighted to be able to present this prestigious award to Professor Nicholas Harvey. His recent appointment as Director of the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre at the University of Southampton attests to an impressive track record of published work across a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal research. As the Chair of the IOF Committee of Scientific Advisors, he has contributed significantly to IOF’s mission, which addresses scientific advances, education, training and advocacy in the musculoskeletal field. This award represents hugely deserved recognition of his unstinting commitment and contribution to the field.”