Research studies
Researchers are always looking for people affected by osteoporosis to get involved in their research. This could be by completing a survey or attending a clinical trial.
On this page, you can find information about current research studies into osteoporosis and bone health, and how you may be able to help.
Some studies will need people affected by osteoporosis, sometimes with a particular medical history. Other studies will need help from healthcare professionals. You may not always find a study listed here that is relevant to you.
This page is regularly updated with new opportunities. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to find out the latest opportunities as they are added, or subscribe to updates.
Nutritional intervention to reduce muscle weakness in older adults with a broken hip
Date added: August 2024
Research institution: Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
You can help if:
You are a patient over 65 years with experience of being in hospital with a broken hip, or you have cared for someone recovering from a broken hip.
About the study:
The team wants to hear your thoughts on their research idea exploring nutrition during recovery from a broken hip and what is important from your point of view.
How can you help?
Take part in the online (Zoom) focus group discussions. The team is aiming to hold up to three focus groups up to an hour long, over the Autumn. Each contributor will receive a participation payment.
Any questions?
You can find out more by contacting Kirandeep Marsh on kirandeep.marsh@nottingham.ac.uk. Kirandeep is a research dietitian at Queens Medical Centre, NHS, who works with patients and carers so they can do research relevant to them.
Be Part of Research - studies actively recruiting
Research body: Different universities, hospitals and drugs companies that are undertaking research.
About the opportunity: The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) website lists all the studies taking place in the UK.
How can you help?
You can browse current opportunities on the NIHR website or create a free account and choose the areas of health and care you’re interested in and the NIHR will send you information on studies that match your interests.
To take part you can contact the study team via the link to their website or contact details on the study page. The study team will be your point of contact from here.
Click on the studies below, to find out more.
Opportunistic fragility fracture risk estimates from radiographs
OSTEOMICS: Identifying regulators of bone homeostasis
AI-enableD bone health Optimisation osteoPorosis for Treatment
RESTORE - Study of AGN1 LOEP to prevent secondary hip fractures
Smart wearable device (gaitQ): Walk better project
The living with a long-term condition study
Testing a vertebral fracture screening tool for use in older men with back pain*
National registry of rare kidney diseases
PHarmacist led Osteoporosis Review for optimising Medicines (PHORM)*
*associated with a Royal Osteoporosis Society Research Grant
PLEASE NOTE: This list is updated monthly, for the most up-to-date list please visit the NIHR website.
Any questions?
You can find more information on the NIHR website.
Help improve the quality of research into osteoporosis
Research body: The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
You can help if:
You have osteoporosis or care for those who do.
About the opportunity:
The NIHR funds health research so professionals, policy makers and patients can make informed decisions based on research.
It needs people with everyday experience of osteoporosis to comment on research proposals related to the condition.
When can you help?
This opportunity is ongoing.
How can you help?
By becoming a reviewer. Reviewers look at a research proposal or commissioning brief and answer key questions for the board or panel.
Each review can be done in your own time, to an agreed deadline.
Any questions?
Find out more on the NIHR website.
Get involved with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
Research body: The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
You can help if:
You are a patient, carer or member of the public.
About the opportunity:
The NIHR regularly public involvement in research.
When can you help?
This opportunity is ongoing. The NIHR list opportunities on their website. Click the button below to see the current opportunities.
How can you help?
You can get involved in NIHR research by:
- suggesting a research question
- giving your opinion on potential research
- joining a NIHR committee
- becoming a Research Champion
- giving your views on research findings and how they impact you
Any questions?
You can email enquiries@nihr.ac.uk.
Share your experience of living with a rare type of osteoporosis
Date added: December 2015
Research body: The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and University of Oxford
You can help if:
You have been affected by a rare type of osteoporosis, such as osteoporosis associated with pregnancy or idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis.
About the study:
This study is looking to improve understanding of rare bone, joint and blood vessel diseases, so new tests and treatments can be developed for them.
When can you help?
Ongoing, over a period of five years.
How can you help?
By completing and updating an online profile and family map, and a number of online questionnaires.
To take part, you need to give permission for the researchers to access your NHS and social care records.
Any questions?
You can find out more about the RUDY study by downloading the participant information or visiting the RUDY website.