Ground-breaking research funding for Leeds
14 September 2016
The Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit (LMBRU) has been awarded nearly £7million as part of a record package of research funding from the government. The LMBRU, a partnership between LTHT and the University of Leeds, is based at Chapel Allerton Hospital and carries out world-leading research on musculoskeletal conditions.
Professor Paul Emery, Director of the LMBRU, said:
“We are delighted that, in a highly competitive environment, we have been awarded funding for the only dedicated musculoskeletal biomedical research centre in the UK. This is the result of many years of international first class research from our team which has secured our world leading position in musculoskeletal medicine and biomedical engineering. This funding will enable future research focusing on preventing inflammatory disease such as inflammatory arthritis, and optimising therapy for osteoarthritis.”
The success of the LMBRU demonstrates our strong partnership with the University of Leeds and this new funding will allow us to continue working together to really drive musculoskeletal research on a national and international scale.
Professor Paul Stewart, Dean of Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Leeds, said:
“Directed by one of the world’s most cited Clinical Researchers and Rheumatologists, Professor Paul Emery, this cutting edge and interdisciplinary Musculoskeletal centre will be catalytic in developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to treat patients with inflammatory arthritis and the disabling degenerative condition osteoarthritis. The impact of this work on patient outcomes and the UK economy through sustaining a healthy workforce will be significant. The Centre is supported by a strong and functional partnership between the second largest NHS Trust in the UK – Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and an outstanding Medical School housed within the University of Leeds - a top 10 UK University.”
The last round of funding we received allowed our teams in Leeds to research the effectiveness of using ultrasound imaging to diagnose bone damage in arthritis. Following this research, ultrasound is now recommended for patients with arthritis which means pain can be diagnosed and managed much quicker than before.
Julian Hartley, Chief Executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said:
“This is fantastic news for Leeds and this funding will ensure we continue to be at the forefront of research in the UK and internationally. This award comes thanks to the dedication of our team working in the LMBRU who are committed to providing high quality research that provides real benefit to our patients here in Leeds and beyond.
I am incredibly proud that this partnership between Leeds Teaching Hospitals and the University of Leeds continues to be a world-leading centre for healthcare research and thank everyone involved for their commitment and hard work.”
We are so pleased that Leeds will continue to be leading ground-breaking medical research and we look forward to sharing the successes in the future.
