The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) represents patients, health professionals in rheumatology, researchers, and scientific societies of rheumatology across all European nations. Their mission is to reduce the impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases on the individual and society and to improve the social position and quality of life of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in Europe.
EULAR has designated the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) as a Centre of Excellence in Rheumatology Research for 2025 – 2030, following prior recognition from 2015 – 2020 and 2020 – 2025. The recognition covers the Botnar Research Institute and the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, both within NDORMS.
One of the largest European academic departments in its field, NDORMS runs an interdisciplinary research programme to discover the causes of musculoskeletal and inflammatory conditions and to deliver innovative care which improves people’s quality of life. NDORMS brings together researchers with expertise in a broad range of areas, including orthopaedic surgery, inflammation, immunology, rheumatology, medical statistics, epidemiology, data science and clinical trials. Co-location with NHS services at Oxford's Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre (NOC) puts the department in an excellent and rare position, where basic researchers work alongside clinicians. NDORMS has invested heavily in Patient and Public Involvement (PPI), ensuring that lived experience remains at the heart of decision-making in medical research.
The prestigious award recognises the commitment of NDORMS to advancing rheumatology research. It further enhances the visibility of NDORMS to other leading European institutes, facilitating collaboration and creating platforms for innovation.
Professor Richard Williams, Lead for the Oxford EULAR Centre of Excellence bid, said: ‘In addition to demonstrating scientific excellence, the application required us to demonstrate collaborative links across Europe and a strong commitment to public engagement and patient involvement. It was a real team effort with input from Comms, PPI and Grants teams as well as Human Resources.’
Professor Jonny Rees, Head of Department for NDORMS and Director of the Botnar Institute, said: ‘We are delighted that EULAR has continued to recognise NDORMS as a Centre of Excellence. This award reflects the strong collective effort of the Department to improve the lives of people living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions, and I am grateful to every staff member and student who made this recognition possible.’
The full list of EULAR Centres of Excellence can be found here.