MRC Arthritis UK Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing

Researching why our musculoskeletal system functions less well as we age

Universities of Liverpool, Newcastle and Sheffield in partnership with the Medical Research Council (MRC)

Both the MRC and the charity recognise that musculoskeletal ageing presents significant challenges to individuals, their families/carers and the whole of the UK (socially and economically). It is considered such an important problem that both funders chose to invest in two complementary centres (CIMA and CMAR).

The MRC Arthritis UK Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA) was awarded to the Universities of Liverpool, Newcastle and Sheffield in partnership with the Medical Research Council (MRC).

Research at this centre aims to understand why our musculoskeletal system functions less well as we age and why older people develop conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and muscle weakness.

The centre also focusses its research on preventing and treating deterioration of the musculoskeletal tissues that occur as we age, to help preserve mobility and independence in older people, thereby improving their quality of life.

This centre first opened in 2012 and was renewed for a second term of five years in 2017. The centre is in its ‘Impact’ phase until 2028.

Download our Centres for Musculoskeletal Ageing Impact Report
Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre

Arthritis UK Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Impact Report

For many years, we’ve known that mechanical loading and inflammation contribute to osteoarthritis but the biological processes that link these factors were unknown. The impact of joint injury and joint surgery on our biomechanics and biology, and subtleties in gait or alignment that could contribute to long-term disease, was also unclear. Until now.

Read the report

Other Arthritis UK research centres of excellence