A FORMER North Leamington School pupil has picked up a major science award from a national bone health charity.
Lauren Robinson was chosen as the winner of the Young Scientist Prize by the National Osteoporosis Society’s team of experts.
The award, which includes a £4,500 prize, recognises a young scientist’s or clinical researcher’s contribution in the field of osteoporosis and fragility fractures.
Lauren, who is a PhD Student at University College London, investigated the links between eating disorders, bone health and osteoporosis in adolescents and young adult women in the UK.
Osteoporosis is the fragile bone disease that causes painful, debilitating and sometimes fatal fractures, particularly of the wrist, hip and spine. It effects more than 3million people in the UK.
The 24-year-old from Leamington was invited to receive her award and give a presentation on her work at the recent National Osteoporosis Society’s Osteoporosis Conference at Birmingham’s ICC.
“I was delighted when I found out I’d won the Young Scientist Prize,” said Lauren, who pursued a career in musculoskeletal research following training as a psychologist.
“It was great to feel like all the hard work had been recognised and I feel very proud of what I’ve achieved.”
Lauren currently works at an Eating Disorders clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
She said: “These patients are particularly vulnerable to bone fractures throughout life, and for this reason it is important to understand how we can protect their bones throughout the duration of their disorder and reduce lifetime pain and disability.”
Dr Caroline Sangan, strategic development manager for the National Osteoporosis Society, said medical research was key to helping to free future generations from the often debilitating effects of osteoporosis.
She added: “The National Osteoporosis Society’s Young Scientist Prize is all about encouraging and supporting young scientists to pursue research into osteoporosis as part of the charity’s ongoing mission to build a brighter future for those affected by the condition.”
Visit www.nos.org.uk to find out more about the National Osteoporosis Society.
