We are delighted to share that Professor Adam Croft, TRICIA lead and long-standing member of the University of Birmingham’s rheumatology community, has been appointed the new Versus Arthritis Chair of Rheumatology and Head of the Rheumatology Research Group (RRG).
Professor Croft is internationally recognised for his expertise in synovial tissue pathology in inflammatory arthritis and has played a leading role in shaping translational research that connects scientific discovery with real-world impact. Since 2020, he has served as Professor of Translational Rheumatology and continues in his role as Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB).
“I’m honoured to have been appointed to the Versus Arthritis Chair of Rheumatology at the University, an organisation that has supported my research and that I have long had a relationship with. I look forward to working with researchers in the RRG to shape our research strategy and vision for the next decade, embedding patient views at the heart of our research questions and ensuring Birmingham continues to deliver cutting-edge research that improves the lives and health of people with rheumatic diseases.”
A Career Rooted in Birmingham and Built on Translational Impact
Professor Croft began his research journey under the mentorship of Professor Chris Buckley, joining the RRG as part of the NIHR Integrated Academic Clinical Training Pathway. In 2014, he was awarded a prestigious Wellcome Trust Career Development Fellowship, which supported his work on persistent inflammation in chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
His research has since made a major contribution to the field, including the identification of pathogenic effector fibroblast subsets in inflammatory arthritis. He currently holds a Senior Research Fellowship from the Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research.
A Strong Partnership with Versus Arthritis
Professor Croft’s appointment underscores the close partnership between the University of Birmingham and Versus Arthritis, the UK’s leading arthritis charity. The charity supports people with arthritis across the UK, funds world-class research, and campaigns to make arthritis a national priority.
With over 10 million people in the UK affected by arthritis, the impact of the disease is wide-ranging—affecting work, daily life, and independence. As Chair, Professor Croft will play a central role in driving forward research that aims to transform outcomes for people living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
Save the Date
📅 Professor Croft will deliver his inaugural lecture on Wednesday 6 March 2024, where he will share his vision for the future of rheumatology research at Birmingham and beyond.
