The Kennedy Trust has funded research into musculoskeletal and related inflammatory diseases for over 50 years. The focus of its support has historically been centred around the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, now based at the University of Oxford, where it continues to provide funding for research facilities, fellows and doctoral students.

More recently, the Trust has expanded the scope of its funding beyond the Institute, with the launch of its Senior Research Fellowships in 2017 and an MB PhD scheme in 2021.

With funding now reaching seven universities across the UK, supporting individuals at every career stage from student to PI, the Trust is creating a Network to facilitate networking, mentorship and career support amongst its researchers.

To launch the Network, an opening event will be held in Birmingham in March 2022 for all currently funded students, fellows and PIs. The event will include talks from eminent keynote speakers, poster presentations and a student pitching competition.

We hope that this will be the first of many opportunities to connect and support the researchers we fund.