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University of Bristol, Department of Clinical Sciences at South Bristol PhD Studentship entitled: 'Investigation of the role of bone size relative to body size in the pathogenesis of fractures in childhood' Supervisors: Dr J H Tobias (please contact for informal enquiries), Rheumatology Unit, Dept of Clinical Sciences at South Bristol, University of Bristol, [log in to unmask] Dr K Tilling, Department of Social Medicine, University of Bristol Summary of Project This studentship represents an excellent opportunity for research training in epidemiology and medical statistics. The studentship is based on recent research findings where we examined the relationship between DXA (bone density) measurements at age 9 and fracture risk over the following two years, in the ALSPAC population-based child cohort, and found that bone size relative to body size represents a hitherto unrecognised risk factor for fractures in childhood (see Clark EM, Ness AR, Bishop NR, Tobias JH 2006; The association between bone mass and fractures in children: a prospective cohort study. J Bone Miner Res 21:1489-1496). The studentship will extend these studies in ALSPAC, by examining whether fracture incidence during puberty, which rises to levels seen in the elderly, reflects transient decreases in bone size relative to body size. This will be achieved by relating changes in fracture risk as the cohort progresses through puberty, to alterations in bone size relative to body size as measured by two-yearly total body DXA scans. Whether these findings reflect the fact that bone size relative to body size represents a measure of bone strength relative to strain will also be addressed, by exploring relationships with more precise measures of skeletal geometry provided by hip DXA and pQCT. Locations Jon Tobias, Reader in Rheumatology and Director of the ALSPAC bone group, is based at the Academic Rheumatology unit, Bristol Royal Infirmary, which provides a base for researchers investigating different rheumatological conditions, with a particular emphasis on osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The unit has strong links with the Department of Social Medicine (epidemiological studies), and with the University of West of England (qualitative research). Research comprises clinical/translational studies based on a diverse range of cohorts comprising normal/patient populations, involving clinicians, statisticians, and allied health professionals. There are also strong links with laboratory researchers in other university departments. Kate Tilling, Senior Lecturer in Medical Statistics, is based at the Department of Social Medicine, which is the host department of ALSPAC, and is where the successful applicant will largely be based. Training As well as training opportunities offered by the project itself, the Department of Social Medicine has a well-established postgraduate programme that provides regular appraisal, guidance and mentoring for research students. Their short course programme offers training in the disciplines of epidemiology and health services research, in medical statistics, health economics, qualitative research methods, questionnaire design, meta-analysis and study design. The department also runs weekly lecture and seminar programs, covering software manipulation, time management, presentation skills, research ethics, research exploitation and intellectual property rights, methodology, writing up a PhD. There is also a weekly seminar program which provides an opportunity to hear external speakers, and to gain experience in presenting results of research. In addition, PhD students are required to present research to internal assessors on an annual basis as part of a well structured appraisal system. There is an active research student training and support group which meets monthly. Funding This three year PhD studentship, which is tenable from 1st October 2007, is supported by the Arthritis Rheumatism Council, who will pay a tax-free stipend starting at £16,182 per year, with annual increases thereafter. This award will also cover tuition fees for UK graduates. International students are not eligible to apply due to funding regulations. Application Please e-mail your CV to [log in to unmask] by 16th February 2007