NIHR Barts BRC Celebrates Its Second Musculoskeletal Research Day
On 20th September 2025, we welcomed patients and their families to the NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre’s (BRC) second Musculoskeletal Day, following the success of last year’s inaugural event.
On the 20 September 2025, we welcomed patients and their families to the NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre’s (BRC) second Musculoskeletal Day, following the success of last year’s inaugural event. Organised by the NIHR Barts BRC MSK PPIE Committee, this informal and inclusive gathering provided a unique opportunity for the community to meet and engage with students, researchers, and clinicians developing innovative treatments for joint conditions.
Supported by the NIHR Barts BRC, Centre of the Cell, and Versus Arthritis, the day featured a rich program of short talks, a research poster competition, and hands-on demonstrations, including a laboratory tour, sensory testing, bioengineering activities, ultrasound imaging, and interactive sessions focused on living with arthritis. The poster competition allowed PhD students and research staff to showcase the range and depth of ongoing musculoskeletal research, with this year’s winning entry — “Innovative Approaches to Cartilage Repair in Osteoarthritis Treatment”— presented by Nia Sciucca, a research assistant in Biochemical Pharmacology working with Dr Kaneva.
There was strong engagement throughout the day, particularly from participants representing underserved and marginalised communities. The event sparked valuable discussions and highlighted the need for more opportunities to explore topics like disease management, treatment options, and the lived experience of arthritis. Encouraged by this positive feedback, we are planning further patient- and community-focused activities over the coming year, including both virtual and in-person events, to ensure continued dialogue and outreach.