Outstanding young investigators recognised for bone health research

Stefania D'Angelo and Fiona Kirkham-Wilson have won prestigious awards for osteoporosis and osteoarthritis research.

The Southampton researchers were presented the prizes at the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (WCO-IOF-ESCEO).

The event took place this month at the Hilton London Metropole in London.

Bone health research

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. It makes them fragile and more likely to break.

Over three million people are estimated to have osteoarthritis in the UK.

Research is improving the way the condition is prevented, diagnosed and treated.

Dr Fiona Kirkham-Wilson is a NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow at the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre at the University of Southampton. She received a young investigator award for research into pain in osteoarthritis. Her abstract considered the influence of early life factors, such as low birth weight.

Ms Stefania D'Angelo is a medical statistician at the University of Southampton. Her award-winning abstract found night work increases the risk of chronic widespread pain for older workers. This was independent of sleep problems and the physical demands of the job.

Prestigious awards

The WCO-IOF-ESCEO is the world’s largest forum for the presentation of clinical research and new advances in the field.

It is jointly held by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases.

Awards were presented to 20 young investigators from 16 countries.

Southampton’s Professor Nicholas Harvey is the newly appointed president of the IOF. He said:

“On behalf of the IOF and ESCEO, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the young investigators for their accomplishments. I offer my best wishes for ongoing success in their research and further career development.”