BIRD – A brief history

The Institute was established in 1975 by the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases Foundation Trust (RNHRD) and the University of Bath, becoming an independent charity in 1981. BIRD Raises funds to support research and education into bone and joint diseases, and continues to work closely with the RNHRD and the University and a number of other organisations.

BIRD aims to advance medical knowledge with particular reference to rheumatic diseases and to improve treatments for patients through promoting collaboration between clinicians and research scientists. It provdes space, facilities and funds to undertake interdisicplinary research and organises educational courses for health professionals, patients and their family firends and carers and the general public.

Past achievements include training more the 25 PhD students and 30 clinical and post-doctoral research fellows, and significant involvement in validating and optimising anti-TNF treatment for patients with rheumatic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankolysing spondylitis. It is now an internationally recognised centre for characterising novel autoantibodies in patients with connective tiossue diseases including myositis.

For further information about BIRD or any of its activities please email us or telephone 01225 448 444.

BIRD Management structure

BIRD is a registered Charity (No. 1040650) and operates as a company limited by guarantee (No. 02908933). All major decisions are taken by a Council of Management which meets five to six times a year or as necessary. In addition, BIRD has a President, who may attend and chair Council meetings, and a small number of Patrons.

Day-to-day management of the Charity is delegated to the Chair and Executive Director.

BIRD Trading Company Ltd

The Charity is also the sole owner of a Trading Company which handles commercial activities on behalf of the Charity. All profits at year-end are covenanted to BIRD.