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HBC - Chronic Musculoskeletal Pathologies

Chronic Musculoskeletal Pathologies

Overview of Health Based Challenge: Chronic Musculoskeletal Pathologies

Our mission is to better understand the aetiology of musculoskeletal pathologies and identify therapeutic interventions.

Objective

This is focused on advancing musculoskeletal research through strategic collaboration and capacity building. We aim to initiate new academic and industrial partnerships both nationally and internationally, while also strengthening existing networks of collaboration. A key objective is to enhance the University’s reputation as a leader in MSK research by supporting high-quality, competitive funding applications—whether through consortia or individual efforts. Additionally, we are committed to fostering career development for all members of the research community, with a particular emphasis on supporting early career researchers.

Research Focus

Diabetic Osteopathy

Changes in bone structure, mineralization and increased fracture risk
61 million Europeans living with diabetes
€189 billion annual health expenditure

Osteoporosis

Low bone mass, deterioration of bone architecture and increase in bone porosity and fracture risk
23+ million Europeans at risk
€37.5 billion annual health expenditure

Aging

Associated with frailty and loss of muscle mass, strength and performance
1.5 billion people over 65 by 2050
Cost of aging in the EU increasing from 1.7% GDP to 26% in 2070.

Funding Ambition

We are committed to supporting our members in securing national and international grant funding, providing guidance, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships to enhance research success.

HBC Lead: Dr Cynthia Coleman

Cynthia Coleman is a Lecturer in Cellular Manufacturing and Therapy at the University of Galway and is programme director of the award-winning MSc in Cellular Manufacturing & Therapy. She completed her BSc in Biology from Saint Michael’s College (1997) and her PhD in Developmental Biology and Teratology from Thomas Jefferson University (2002).

Following the completion of her PhD, she transitioned to the National Institutes of Health (2002-2004) for her post-doctoral fellowship in the Cartilage Biology and Orthopaedics Branch of NIAMS. Following her training, she joined Johnson & Johnson Regenerative Therapeutics (2004-2006) as a senior scientist in cell biology and pre-clinical evaluation. Cynthia joined the University of Galway Regenerative Medicine Institute in 2007.

HBC MSK Lead