“I encounter so many amazing women in this area of research every day”

To mark International Women's Day, read what inspired some of our researchers to embark on a career in science and why arthritis research is meaningful to them.

The charity funds thirteen research centres across the country. Over half are headed by female researchers, and of their most recently awarded fellowships, 64% were awarded to women.

If you or someone you know are thinking about a career in science, put your aspirations into actions and discover how you could be making a difference to people’s lives.

Professor Tonia Vincent

Tonia is a Professor of Musculoskeletal Biology at the University of Oxford and runs a clinic for people with osteoarthritis.

Her research interests focus on the causes of osteoarthritis and developing new targeted treatments. She says “I became interested in science from a young age as my mother was a scientist.

My favourite part of the job is seeing the impact of our research in real life. It’s so wonderful to meet and help those who come to the clinic.

My advice to someone thinking of going into research would be…find an environment you are comfortable in and supported – its only then when you produce your best work!”

Read more about the osteoarthritis research we’re funding.

Dr Katie Hackett

Katie is a clinical academic occupational therapist, interested in developing treatments for chronic conditions, in particular, fatigue and autoimmune conditions such as such as such as Sjögren’s syndrome (a rare syndrome which affects the immune system). Katie says:

“I became inspired to go into research to help develop new treatments that would improve the quality of my patient’s lives.

We’ve found that many women who live with Sjogren’s syndrome struggle with accessing specialist support. My current research is focusing on developing a smartphone app for people with the syndrome.

“The team who are building the app are made up entirely of women! I encounter so many amazing women in this area of research every day.”

Read more about the Sjögren’s syndrome research we’re funding.

Dr Jenny Lane

Jenny is a Clinical Research Fellow in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Oxford. Her particular interests are in hand conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis, and the role that female hormones in developing orthopaedic conditions.

"The inspiration to go into research started when I began clinical training in surgery. I found that many women, all around the same age, presented symptoms of osteoarthritis in their hands. I began to question whether female hormones played a role in increasing a woman’s risk of developing arthritis.

I want to understand if there is a biological cause for women to do with hormones that makes pain more likely.

I’m passionate about ensuring that research is applicable to everyone – which is probably why I am so active on Twitter!”

Read more about the hand arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome research we’re funding.

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