Orthopaedic Research UK

Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK) is a British medical charity dedicated to advancing musculoskeletal (MSK) knowledge by funding research and organising training and education that promote collaboration among healthcare professionals. Established in 1989 by the orthopaedic surgeon Mr Ronald Furlong FRCS, it was originally known as the Furlong Research Charitable Foundation before adopting its current name. The organisation is headquartered in London and operates across the United Kingdom. The charity's mission centres on bringing together the whole MSK community to share knowledge and expertise, attract new investment, and act as a unified voice for the needs of the millions of people in the UK suffering from poor bone, joint and muscle health. Its stated common goal is to reduce the burden of poor musculoskeletal health on individuals, workplaces and the health system, and to work towards a healthy ageing society. ORUK directly funds and encourages high-quality research, education and innovation in MSK health. According to its official website, it has invested £12,328,495 in research and funded 181 research projects since 2004. It has staged 266 educational events since September 2020, training 17,662 healthcare professionals in that period. Its education programmes include webinars, courses and events, such as a continuous professional development programme approved by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and specialised meetings like the International hip resurfacing meeting. The charity's research strategy for 2024–27 focuses on projects most capable of delivering benefits to patients and the healthcare system in a relatively short time-span, either by creating new MSK solutions or improving clinical practices. It partners with leading academic institutions, healthcare organisations, societies, charities (primarily as part of ARMA) and private companies. ORUK is governed by a Board of Trustees and supported by committees including the Research Committee, Scientific Advisory Committee, and Education & Training Advisory Committee. Its executive team is led by Chief Executive Dr Arash Angadji, who joined the organisation in 2008 and was appointed CEO in 2016. As one of the very few significant funders of MSK research in the UK, Orthopaedic Research UK plays a key role in the musculoskeletal research ecosystem, helping to accelerate the translation of research ideas into new products or services and advocating for increased investment in MSK conditions.

Orthopaedic Research UK was established in 1989 by the orthopaedic surgeon Mr Ronald Furlong FRCS, originally under the name Furlong Research Charitable Foundation. It was founded as a medical charity dedicated to advancing musculoskeletal knowledge by funding and publicising research and organising training and education which promote collaboration between healthcare professionals within the MSK community. Over the decades, the organisation evolved into Orthopaedic Research UK and expanded its scope. By the 2020s, it had become one of the very few significant funders of MSK research in the UK, working alongside partners to encourage breakthrough research and education programmes in bone, joint and muscle wellbeing. Its stated common goal is to reduce the burden of poor musculoskeletal health on individuals, workplaces and the health system. Key developments include the appointment of Dr Arash Angadji as Chief Executive in 2016; he had joined the organisation in 2008 and has since played a central role in shaping its strategic direction and driving growth, with a focus on strengthening governance and expanding research, education, and innovation programmes. The charity has invested £12,328,495 in research and funded 181 research projects since 2004. Since September 2020, it has staged 266 educational events and trained 17,662 healthcare professionals. In the mid-2020s, ORUK published strategic documents including its Research Strategy 2024-27 and Education Strategy 2026. The research strategy places a heavy focus on projects most capable of delivering benefits to patients and the healthcare system in a relatively short time-span, either by creating new MSK solutions or improving clinical practices and processes. The education strategy aims to strengthen MSK education and training while supporting innovation across the MSK community, covering core training of MSK clinicians, career development, and other areas. The charity continues to bring together experts from different MSK disciplines, with a scientific advisory committee that meets annually to support funding decisions, an independent review panel assessing each project, and a Board of Trustees overseeing all activities. It remains active in funding research, hosting events, and advocating for MSK health.

• 2026

  Publication of Education Strategy 2026; International hip resurfacing meeting scheduled for 2–3 October 2026.

• 2025

  Rozerin Hülakü joined as Data Protection Officer.

• 2024

  Publication of Research Strategy 2024-27.

• 2020

  Since September 2020, 266 educational events staged and 17,662 healthcare professionals trained.

• 2016

  Dr Arash Angadji appointed Chief Executive.

• 2008

  Dr Arash Angadji joined the organisation.

• 2004

  Beginning of the period for which 181 research projects have been funded (as of the official website).

• 1989

  Founded by orthopaedic surgeon Mr Ronald Furlong FRCS as the Furlong Research Charitable Foundation.

A UK medical charity and one of the few significant funders of musculoskeletal research, bringing together the MSK community to improve bone, joint and muscle health.

• Research grants

  Funding for musculoskeletal research projects, with 181 projects funded since 2004 and £12,328,495 invested.

• Educational events and webinars

  A wide range of education programmes, webinars and events, both online and offline, including a CPD programme approved by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

• International hip resurfacing meeting

  A specialised meeting scheduled for 2–3 October 2026 at the Royal Society of Medicine, London.

• Orthopaedic and trauma course for emergency medicine

  A course for emergency medicine professionals, listed as sold out on the official website.

1. 1Orthopaedic Research | UK Charityoruk.org
2. 2About Us | Orthopaedic Research UKoruk.org
3. 3Team — Orthopaedic Research UKoruk.org
4. 4Strategy — Orthopaedic Research UKoruk.org
5. 5Wikidata: Orthopaedic Researchwikidata.org