The Michael Mason Award recognises outstanding clinical or scientific research by an early-stage rheumatology researcher developing a distinctive body of original work. It is one of the most significant research awards in the specialty.
Richard Michael Mason was a renowned clinical rheumatologist who established an associated academic professorial unit in rheumatology, and was instrumental in the development of bone and joint research.
His work continues to influence research, education and patient care across the UK. Today his legacy lives on through the Michael Mason Award, one of British Society for Rheumatology’s most prestigious awards for early career researchers. The award not only honours Mason’s contribution but also supports the next generation of researchers who are advancing rheumatology through innovative thinking and high-quality evidence.
Winners present their research at the BSR Annual Conference, the UK’s leading gathering for rheumatology professionals.
Dr Ken Baker who is a member of the BRC Leadership Track for the Musculoskeletal Disease and Inflammation Medicine research theme, an NIHR Advanced Fellow and Senior Clinical Lecturer at Newcastle University, and Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist with Newcastle Hospitals has been recognised for his research on: 'Single-cell insights into immune dysregulation in rheumatoid arthritis flare versus drug-free remission' and won this year’s Michael Mason Award.
Dr Baker said - "I am immensely grateful to the British Society for Rheumatology for this prestigious award, and for the support of our research team and study participants here in Newcastle and beyond, who have made this possible. The career development opportunities offered by the BSR and the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Newcastle, in terms of research funding and leadership training, have had a transformational impact on my career, and I hope to use this experience to inspire and nurture the next generation of UK rheumatology researchers."