AECC School of Chiropractic Celebrates International Research Excellence with Best Poster Award Win

Health Sciences University is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Erdi Shaba, PhD student and Chiropractic Lecturer within the AECC School of Chiropractic, who has been awarded the Best Poster Award at the prestigious European Chiropractors’ Union (ECU) Conference in Zurich.

Erdi’s winning research, entitled “What Works, For Whom, In What Circumstance And How: A Realist Synthesis Of Health Promotion In Chiropractic Care”, impressed an international panel of experts and reflects the University’s continuing commitment to impactful, evidence-based research in musculoskeletal (MSK) health.

This recognition highlights both the strength of AECC’s research culture and the growing contribution of chiropractic scholarship to global healthcare conversations. Erdi’s work focuses on a sophisticated and evolving methodological approach, realist synthesis, that offers nuanced insight into how health promotion strategies function across different patient populations and contexts.

A Commitment to Research Excellence

Daniel Moore, Head of AECC School of Chiropractic, praised the achievement:

“Having our AECC School of Chiropractic staff and students engaged in research at an international level, is part of our commitment to research and innovation at the highest levels. This award is testament to Erdi’s commitment, and that of his supervisory team. The School and University more broadly are extremely proud of that commitment.”

Dr Alister du Rose also reflected on the significance of the recognition and the quality of Erdi’s presentation:

“It was so pleasing to see Erdi deliver his poster presentation to some of the world’s leading MSK healthcare experts, his mastery of what is a relatively unknown and complex methodology ‘a realist review’ was clear to the panel, and his hard work so far has clearly paid off.”

Strong Representation at the ECU Conference

The ECU Conference in Zurich showcased a broad range of innovative research, and the University’s presence was both highly visible and impactful. The school proudly recognises the contributions of the following researchers who also presented their work at the event:

• Molly Lucio
• Rebecca Wieser
• Raphaela Dasser
• Dr Neil Osborne
• Dr Humaira Khan
• Professor Dave Newell
• Dr Alister du Rose
• Dr Philip Dewhurst
• Daniel Moore

Together, this group represents the depth and diversity of chiropractic research currently underway at Health Sciences University (HSU), reinforcing the AECC School of Chiropractic’s reputation as a leader in advancing clinical knowledge and practice.

Driving the Future of Chiropractic Care

Erdi’s success is a powerful reflection of the Institution’s aims: to integrate education, research, and clinical excellence in ways that meaningfully improve patient outcomes. His work contributes to a growing evidence base that supports more personalised, effective health promotion strategies within chiropractic care.

This award not only celebrates individual excellence but also underscores the collaborative and forward-thinking environment that defines Health Sciences University.