OPUS is a strong supporter for early career researchers which is why we are dedicating a day for young investigators to explore careers within musculoskeletal research. Research is not just about the findings, but the journey: we begin with a session that examines what academia could hold for aspiring students, where research can lead you after a PhD and how to manage projects from the beginning to ensure research success. This will be followed by a frank and practical discussion with the audience on how to survive in academia. Importantly, young investigators will get a chance to present their work and gain meaningful feedback.
Our second day will assess the landscape in osteoarthritis management: current practices, new management options and what can be done to improve outcomes. Our guest speakers will be tackling cost efficiency, discussing tools for patients and practitioners to make better decisions and how to develop effective alternative therapies that streamlines the waiting list and improves recovery. Looking at the bigger picture, our special guest speaker Dr Linda Swan will speak from an industry perspective on how our research translates into policy. This ties perfectly with our last session for the day where Prof. Erwin Loh will speak on how hospitals can help steer policy changes in line with evidence-based research before we round the day off with a recap from the most important perspective in the room: the patients.