Research

Helping advance musculoskeletal science

We fund and encourage high quality research and innovation in the field of orthopaedic and musculoskeletal (MSK) medicine, to enable clinicians and scientists to expand knowledge, improve patient outcomes and pioneer new forms of diagnosis and treatment.

We make a difference by:

  • Focusing our investments on research projects most capable of delivering benefits to patients and the healthcare system in a relatively short time-span, either by creating new MSK solutions (innovative products and services) or improving clinical practices and processes.
  • Partnering with others, using our ‘seed core’ funding to attract additional investment.
  • Supporting the overall research eco-system, especially at a time when clinical research faces significant challenges.
Download our Research Strategy 2024-27

Research Funding Opportunities

We are one of the most significant funders of orthopaedic and MSK research in the UK. We also partner with leading academic institutions, healthcare organisations, societies, charities and private companies to directly fund innovative research projects in the UK.

Funding Opportunity

The Ronald Furlong Fund

Named in honour of our charity’s founder, this fund supports entrepreneurs to accelerate innovative and commercially viable ideas to solve the unmet needs of society around bone, joint and muscle wellbeing. The programme provides an investment of up to £100K in startups, in exchange for equity.

Deadline for applications:
24/06/2024 12:00 pm
Funding Opportunity

Early Career Research Fellowship

The Early Career Research Fellowship is designed to support the brightest and best clinical/nonclinical talents interested in advancing MSK research in the UK.

Deadline for applications:
24/06/2024 12:00 pm
Funding Opportunity

Joint OBB Research Fund

Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK), the British Orthopaedic Trainees Association (BOTA) and the British Orthopaedic Medical Students Association (BOMSA) are offering up to £1,500 research funding for medical students and foundation year doctors.

Deadline for applications:
24/09/2024 5:00 pm
See available funding opportunities




Our research impact to date

We believe it is essential that charities are accountable for their actions and especially their funding.

£15,032,555
Investment in life-changing research since 2004
192
Research projects we have invested in since 2004
595
Researchers and clinicians from our MSK community we have supported
4
MSK startups we are supporting to accelerate benefits to patients since 2019
Download our latest Impact Report