The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) represents patients, health professionals in rheumatology, researchers, and scientific societies of rheumatology across all European nations. Their mission is to reduce the impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases on the individual and society and to improve the social position and quality of life of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in Europe.
EULAR has designated the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) as a Centre of Excellence in Rheumatology Research for 2025 – 2030, following prior recognition from 2015 – 2020 and 2020 – 2025. The recognition covers the Botnar Research Institute and the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, both within NDORMS.
One of the largest European academic departments in its field, NDORMS runs an interdisciplinary research programme to discover the causes of musculoskeletal and inflammatory conditions and to deliver innovative care which improves people’s quality of life. NDORMS brings together researchers with expertise in a broad range of areas, including orthopaedic surgery, inflammation, immunology, rheumatology, medical statistics, epidemiology, data science and clinical trials. Co-location with NHS services at Oxford's Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre (NOC) puts the department in an excellent and rare position, where basic researchers work alongside clinicians. NDORMS has invested heavily in Patient and Public Involvement (PPI), ensuring that lived experience remains at the heart of decision-making in medical research.
The prestigious award recognises the commitment of NDORMS to advancing rheumatology research. It further enhances the visibility of NDORMS to other leading European institutes, facilitating collaboration and creating platforms for innovation.