Dundee July 2025 Events – 24th, 25th and 26th July
View the Conference Programme Here
View the Speaker Biography Booklet Here
This year’s Brittle Bone Society Conference took place at the Apex Hotel in Dundee from 24th to 26th July 2025, bringing together individuals, families, clinicians, researchers and professionals from across the UK and beyond. Over the course of three vibrant days, attendees engaged in a packed programme of presentations, discussions, and events covering everything from scientific research and clinical care to lived experience, advocacy, and community celebration. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and reflect on the many ways we are working together to improve the lives of those with Osteogenesis Imperfecta.
Scientific Symposium Thursday 24th July
This event was for healthcare professionals only and began with Prof Richard Keen, chair of the BBS Scientific Advisory Board welcoming all guest We had many senior healthcare professionals from all over the UK, the US and across Europe, who gathered for a full day of informative sessions.
We started with “Basic Science” talks which included insightful presentations regarding advancements into Osteogenesis Imperfecta from Prof Meena Balasubramanian, Prof Antonella Forlino and Prof Reid Sutton. The focus then shifted onto “Research and Bone” featuring talks about Radiological Assessment of Bone Quality in Children, Orthopaedic Surgery and Non-Union Fractures. The afternoon continued with a series of engaging abstract presentations by a range of a speakers who explored many important topics such as the Management of a Patient with Severe OI undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Prevalence & Impact of Clinical Signs, Symptoms & Events in Children with OI and more. Session 4 focused on topics including “Outside of the Bone” and “Quality of Life.” We then concluded our evening with a Welcome reception which offered a buffet and refreshments.
This event even featured on the 6-clock news on STV
Research Day Friday 25th July
Our dedicated research day, opened with remarks from Chair of the Brittle Bone Society’s Medical Advisory Board, Prof Kassim Javaid and Trustee Prof Margaret Smith OBE. Session One focused on advocacy and collaboration, with talks on digital interaction, clinical trials and involvement in BBS projects, followed by a Q&A. This led into lightening talks on “Worldwide Care and Collaboration,” including lived experience stories from Charlotte Fodor and Stephen Ryan and a discussion on “What do you call your OI?”. Session two turned to access and legal topics covering market access, pharma and charities, and the IMPACT survey. Following lunch, Session Three highlighted exciting developments in research, including the MOI-A Study, TOPAZ, Setrusumab, Anti-TGF Beta treatments and a closing Q&A and discussion about research priorities.
Cool Bones and Kids Club
On Friday the children were involved in a Puppet making class which was facilitated by staff and students from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, and Member Simon Mckeown gave the young people a taster session on animation. On Saturday member Charlotte Fodor, assisted by Trustee Dome Hyams facilitate a blogging workshop whilst the younger children were looked after by Rise and Shine Childcare services.
Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony
The day ended on a high with our Gala Dinner, beginning with a civic welcome from the Lord Provost of Dundee Bill Campbell. Guests enjoyed a celebratory meal, followed by an Awards Ceremony hosted by John Philips and Prof Margaret Smith OBE, honouring exceptional contributions to the OI community. The evening wrapped up with a stunning vocal performance by Stephen Ryan, a puppetry piece from LAMDA called Shadows to Sunshine, and a tabletop prize draw.
Our Award Winners were:
⭐ Prof Kassim Javaid and Thines Ganeshamoorthy – Collaboration Award
⭐ Prof Christine Burren – Outstanding Service Award (BBS Scientific Advisory Board)
⭐ Dr Claire Hill – Outstanding Service Award (BBS Medical Advisory Board)
⭐ Keira Johnstone – Touch a Life Nursing Award
⭐ Ben and Max Phillips – Fundraising Award
⭐ OI CAN Ambassadors (Laura Pilkington, Jamie Abbott, Steven Hastings, Mark Ross, Sharon Murphy, Yvonne Grant, David Queen, Kate Organ and Kat Watkins) – OI CAN Award
⭐ Harris Academy YPI Winners – YPI Award
⭐ Niveda Kiridaran – Advocacy Award
⭐ Max Edney – Special Achievement Award
⭐ BBC Lifeline Appeal Stars (Monique Jarrett, Max and Cove Edney and Amna Hammad-Saleem) – Special Recognition Award
⭐ Medics on the March – Healthcare Team Award
Family Conference and AGM
Saturday marked the final day of our conference, beginning with opening remarks and welcome from our CEO Patricia Osborne and trustee Yvonne Grant. The morning session opened with a focus on paediatrics. Talks covered key areas including spinal surgery, additional surgical approaches, and the impact of neurodevelopment and participation in childhood OI. Session Two shifted the focus to adults, with engaging talks on women’s and men’s health, the Rare Disease Collaborative Network, sports and exercise, and living independently highlighted by a presentation from Sally Harris. A Q&A followed before we moved into our shorter Session Three featuring a guest talk from Lord Kevin Shinkwin, who spoke about improving employment opportunities for disabled people. After a final lunch together, members attended the BBS Annual General Meeting, followed by a panel discussion on “What the BBS Means to Me,” and our official closing remarks.
AGM
The AGM section of conference covered reports on the annual review, accounts, AGM minutes and elections. Robert Gordon, Treasurer gave a detailed review of our financial position. Trustees standing for election were all duly re-elected to the Board – Liz Robertson, Thines Ganeshamoorthy, Prof. Margaret Smith OBE and Robert Gordon . Patricia Osborne CEO, gave a full report of operations ending with a firm commitment to continue offering a broad range of support including provision of wheelchairs, a great events programme for all ages and broad outline of plans for 2026 and beyond. The Charity will be commencing consultation on their new strategic plan in the coming months.
This final day wrapped up an incredible few days of learning, connection and celebration. From cutting-edge research to lived experience, the programme reflected the strength and diversity of our OI community. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who attended, spoke, shared, volunteered or supported. Thank you for making this year’s conference so meaningful.
AGM Paperwork
Biographies of Trustees can be found here
