Overview
At HSU, our research is driven by a clear and enduring purpose: to improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life for individuals, families and communities – now and into the future. We focus on generating evidence that supports healthier lives and more effective, compassionate care.
This research narrative brings together interdisciplinary work across musculoskeletal (MSK) health and preventive healthcare. Our researchers are tackling the root causes of ill health, exploring how lifestyle, environment, policy, and care systems interact, and developing evidence-informed strategies to enhance health outcomes throughout the life course.
Key research themes
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Health & Care:
Our research addresses the prevention, diagnosis and management of MSK conditions, with a strong emphasis on person-centred care, early intervention, and effective conservative approaches. We collaborate closely with practitioners and patients to ensure research is clinically relevant and grounded in real-world practice.
Preventive Healthcare:
We are advancing knowledge on how to prevent disease and maintain wellbeing, across physical, mental and social dimensions of health. Our work spans behavioural science, public health, early screening, and health promotion, seeking to reduce health inequalities and support healthier ageing.
Featured projects
Our researchers are leading and contributing to a wide range of innovative projects that address real-world health challenges. From developing approaches to early intervention in MSK conditions, to exploring community-based models of preventive care, our work is shaping the future of healthcare.
Explore a selection of current and recent projects below:
Enhancing health literacy in schools
This project was a collaboration with a patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) group co-producing ideas for workshop resources, delivered to school pupils, aged 11 to 18, on key health priorities affecting women and girls.
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Education through simulation
The SimEdCare research project aims to explore the use of simulation-based education to upskill the care sector, equipping home care workers with the range of skills and capabilities they will need to provide high-quality care.
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OSCAR Project
OSCAR: a single case experimental design study of osteopathic treatment options
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Muscle palpation: are we kidding ourselves?
Advancing the scientific understanding of manual therapy within osteopathy
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Intervertebral motion: are we kidding ourselves?
Advancing the scientific understanding of manual therapy within osteopathy
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Strength training in older adults
Combatting sarcopenia to improve strength and function and reduce the risk of falls
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Research centres
National Council for Osteopathic Research
The UK’s leading organisation for osteopathic research, promoting a strong evidence base for osteopathy and supporting practitioner-led studies.
HSU Centre for PAIn Research
A multidisciplinary centre investigating the complex nature of pain, including its management, mechanisms, and societal impact.
The Centre for Osteopathic Research & Leadership (CORaL)
The Centre for Osteopathic Research and Leadership (CORaL) is an international hub for osteopathic research.
Latest Research News
Stay up to date with our discoveries, events and impact stories from across the HSU research community.
Health Sciences University (HSU) has announced the appointment of Faye Deane as the inaugural Director of the National Centre for Chiropractic Research (NCCR), marking an important step in the Centre's development.
Health Sciences University is seeking additional Lay Members to join its Institutional Research Ethics Committee (IREC). This is a voluntary, unpaid role, open to members of the public. You do not need any experience of research or of university committees to take part.
Health Sciences University has become one of 50 founding signatories to the UK Government’s new Women in Research Charter, launched by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 1 July 2026.
An innovation developed through HSU’s Centre for Osteopathic Research and Leadership (CORaL) has been selected by the World Health Organization as one of just 21 projects worldwide to feature at the WHO Global Summit.
In October, HSU was pleased to celebrate the publication of the Priorities for Osteopathic Care (PROCare) study in BMJ Open.
