Announcing the Winner of Research Highlight of the Year 2025!
17 December 2025
Winner of Research Highlight of the Year 2025
We’re thrilled to reveal the winner of this year’s Research Highlight of the Year!
Over the past two weeks, we’ve had an incredible response from the public, with more than 1688 votes cast for our shortlisted projects.
And the winner of the Arthritis UK Research Highlight of the Year 2025, with over 527 votes, is:
Exploring the genetics of osteoarthritis
"The Genetics of Osteoarthritis international team of collaborators is delighted that our work is being recognised by this prestigious award. Our findings on osteoarthritis genetics advance our understanding of the disease and lay the groundwork for developing more effective and personalised therapies that can transform osteoarthritis care."
Talking about their fabulous project is Professor Mark Wilkinson, one of the researchers on the project.
A large part of this work was carried out by the arcoGEN consortium, which was funded by Arthritis UK.
“This work represented a massive international collaboration between 87 different research groups, sharing their data to try to understand why people get arthritis and how the disease actually develops.”
A huge thank you to everyone who voted, shared, and supported this competition. We hope to see you again for next year's Research Highlight of the Year.
Thanks to our sponsor, Circle Health Group, the winner will receive a prize to help share their fantastic research, along with a two-page feature in our Inspire magazine.
"Circle Health Group are delighted to sponsor the RHOTY award, supporting further research into arthritis, a condition Circle Health Group supports thousands of patients with each year at each of its 54 hospitals nationwide."
Related information
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Circle Health Group orthopaedic surgery
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Osteoarthritis is a common arthritis condition causing pain and stiffness within the joints. It most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips and spine.
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. Commonly affecting the hands, feet and wrists.
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Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is inflammation of one or more of your joints. It first occurs before age 16. Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment.
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Our research impact
Our research has led to life-changing discoveries, improving the lives of millions affected by arthritis. Discover how our work is making a real impact.