National accolade for Southampton osteoporosis specialist
A Southampton professor has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the field of osteoporosis with a national award.
Professor Cyrus Cooper, of the University of Southampton, received the inaugural Duchess of Cornwall Award from the National Osteoporosis Society.
He was presented with the accolade by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, President of the Society, in recognition of his research, advocacy and leadership.
Professor Cooper is Professor of Rheumatology and Director of the MRC Epidemiology Resource Centre at the University of Southampton and Norman Collisson Chair of Musculoskeletal Science at the University of Oxford.
He leads an internationally competitive programme of research into the epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoporosis, where he has made key research contributions.
Professor Cooper said: "Since becoming involved with the charity, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall has carried out tremendous work to raise the profile of osteoporosis. To be recognised with this award is an incredible honour, and I only hope that my work in the field has made a practical difference to people whose lives are affected by osteoporosis.
"I am grateful to the many research collaborators in my team, my funders, as well as the tireless work of the thousands of people who campaign every day to raise awareness of osteoporosis; as well as those who live with the disease every day."
He was presented with his award at the official opening of the charity's recently-extended headquarters and new information centre, in Bath.
Professor Cooper was chair of the National Osteoporosis Society Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2007. He first met HRH The Duchess of Cornwall when she became the charity's president in the late 1990s.
Notes for editors
Cyrus Cooper is Professor of Rheumatology and Director of the MRC Epidemiology Resource Centre at the University of Southampton and Norman Collisson Chair of Musculoskeletal Science at the University of Oxford.
He leads an internationally competitive programme of research into the epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders, most notably osteoporosis.
Professor Cooper is currently President of the Bone Research Society of Great Britain and Chairman of the Committee of Scientific Advisors, International Osteoporosis Foundation.
He has previously served as Chairman of the National Osteoporosis Society and has worked on numerous Department of Health, European Community and World Health Organisation committees and working groups. He is a member of the MRC Population and Systems Medicine Board; and Chair at the MRC Population Health Sciences Network. He is Associate Director of Research at the University of Southampton Medical School, and Associate Editor of Osteoporosis International. He has published more than 350 publications on osteoporosis and rheumatic disorders and pioneered clinical studies on the developmental origins of peak bone mass.