New research funding announced to drive screening for high fracture risk

The ROS is awarding new funding to clinicians, who can drive the research needed to establish the world’s first screening programme for high fracture risk.

This follows the inquiry into under-diagnosis of osteoporosis by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Osteoporosis and Bone Health. The ROS provides the Secretariat for the APPG.

The report showed:

• The problem: Decisions are currently made by individual clinicians on a case-by-case basis. This is leading to 61% of the people who need a bone health assessment because they have one of the three major risk factors for osteoporosis, falling through the cracks. The late diagnosis that comes as a result of these delays means two-thirds of people at high risk of broken bones are missing out on life-changing – and in the case of broken hips – life-saving drugs. Broken hips are heart-attack level events, as more than a quarter of people who break a hip, die within a year.
• The solution: If targeted at the right people, a screening programme to identify high fracture risk could be both clinically effective and cost-effective, especially in reducing the number of hip fractures. However, further research is needed on implementation of a screening programme in real-life settings.

For the 2024 grants round, the ROS is challenging UK researchers to lead a strong team to develop innovative proposals which:

• Address at least one of the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) criteria for appraising the viability, effectiveness and appropriateness of a targeted screening programme. As the UK NSC is responsible for advising ministers and the NHS in the 4 UK countries about all aspects of screening and supporting implementation of screening programmes.
• Complement the evidence base which is currently available.

Project grants of up to £100,000 over a maximum of three years, will be available and the ROS encourages applications from researchers at every stage of their career. The proposals should include clear plans for public and patient involvement and be able to demonstrate the impact of their research.

Dr Caroline Sangan, Research Manager at the ROS, said:

“We’re looking forward to receiving applications from ROS-aligned researchers. Together, we’ll build the robust evidence base to support targeted screening for high fracture risk. This will get people the care they need earlier, to live well and prevent life-changing, painful and debilitating fractures.”

To apply for one of this year’s project grants, please visit the Research Grants page. 

The deadline for applications is Monday 3 February 2025 and the successful research projects will be announced in September 2025.