Dr Frank Beier Memorial Lecture
The Dr. Frank Beier Memorial Lecture is the cornerstone of a new biennial event hosted by the Bone and Joint Institute celebrating MSK research excellence, innovation, mentorship, and community. Established in memory of Dr. Frank Beier, a respected researcher, educator, mentor, and colleague, the lecture honours his enduring commitment to discovery, collaboration, and supporting the next generation of scientists. Dr. Beier's research helped advance our understanding of cartilage biology and osteoarthritis, while his leadership and dedication to mentorship left a lasting impact on countless students, trainees, and colleagues. Inspired by these values, the event will bring together researchers, trainees, patients, families, and community partners to share discoveries, celebrate emerging talent, and explore how MSK research can improve health and well-being.
A networking reception will follow, offering an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen the partnerships that drive future discovery while celebrating the spirit of curiosity, generosity, and collaboration that Frank embodied.
This year's Inaugural Keynote will feature Dr. Richard Loeser: Joseph P Archiem, Jr Eminent Professor of Medicine; Director, UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Centre at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Dr. Richard F. Loeser, MD, is the Joseph P. Archie Jr., Eminent Professor in the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology and the Director of the Thurston Arthritis Research Center at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Dr. Loeser received his medical degree from the West Virginia School of Medicine and completed residency and fellowship training in Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, and Geriatrics at the Wake Forest School of Medicine. Dr. Loeser’s lab employs a combination of in vitro experiments using human joint tissue cells and in vivo experiments in rodent models to study cell signaling pathways that regulate anabolic and catabolic activity responsible for joint tissue remodeling and destruction in osteoarthritis (OA). Longstanding projects in the lab include studies to decipher α5β1 integrin signaling in response to matrix damage and studies examining the role of aging and cell senescence in OA. The lab is particularly interested in determining how reactive oxygen species regulate chondrocyte signaling. Most recently his lab has started a small molecule discovery program for disease modification in OA and is working collaboratively on a genomics project to identify causal genes in OA.
Dr. Loeser has also worked in the area of clinical trials of exercise and weight loss interventions for adults with osteoarthritis of the knee and studied the role of the gut microbiome in OA associated with obesity. He has published over 250 research articles, reviews, chapters and editorials. He has received the Osteoarthritis Research Society International Award for Basic Research in Osteoarthritis, the American College of Rheumatology Distinguished Basic and Translational Investigator Award and a MERIT grant award from the NIH for his research project “Integrin Function in Cartilage”. Dr. Loeser currently serves as co-editor of the journal Arthritis and Rheumatology and serves on the editorial board of Osteoarthritis and Cartilage.
Visitor Parking is available across Western Road in the Springett Lot
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