The Royal Osteoporosis Society, formerly known as the National Osteoporosis Society, has announced plans to set up an academy to bring together the best minds, leading researchers, clinicians and academics in the field to advance the scientific knowledge of osteoporosis and bone health and ultimately to find a cure for the condition.

The new initiative, called The Osteoporosis and Bone Research Academy, was officially launched this week, alongside the charity’s new name.

The charity’s new Academy plans to co-ordinate a variety of complex work programmes, brokering new partnerships internationally, as well influencing future funding. The osteoporosis research roadmap is planned to highlight the research needed to deepen the understanding of osteoporosis and explore new routes that could lead to a cure.

Emeritus Professor of Bone Medicine at the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine Juliet Compston, and chair of the plan commented: “There is currently no cure for osteoporosis and we believe that must change.

“The Academy has been set up to advance our understanding of the causes of osteoporosis, explore and develop new innovative technologies as well as understand the effectiveness of new diagnostic tools, treatments and interventions.

“And next year the Royal Osteoporosis Society will be the first bone charity in the world to build an osteoporosis research roadmap charting the route to a cure and giving hope to future generations.”

She also commented that the charity doesn’t use the word cure lightly. “We’re investing our experience, resources and reputation into finding a cure and ending osteoporosis. It’s an audacious ambition but we know we’re equal to the task.”

The Royal Osteoporosis Society is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.