Research output per year
Research output per year
PROF
Accepting PhD Students
PhD projects
Genetics of bone and joint disease
I graduated in Medicine from Glasgow University in 1978 and underwent higher medical training in General Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. I previously held the chair of Medicine and Bone Metabolism at the University of Aberdeen and moved to Edinburgh University in 2005 where I now hold the Chair of Rheumatology. I am academic director of Edinburgh University's Msc in clinical trials and lead for the Kennedy Trust funded MB-PhD programme. I hold an honorary consultant rheumatologist position with NHS Lothian and am clinical lead for the osteoporosis service and clinical director of the rheumatology service. I have researched widely on the pathogenesis, treatment and the genetic basis of Paget's disease of bone and other bone diseases. I am currently chair of the Paget's Association, joint editor-in-chief of the scientific journal Calcified Tissue International and editor of Davidson's Texbook of Medicine. I was chair of the Commission for Human Medicines for the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority of the UK between 2013 and 2021 and continue to advise the MHRA on matters relating to medicines for women's health and rheumatology.
My research currently focused on the pathophysiology and management of bone diseases. I have a special interest in Paget's disease and I am chief investigator of the Paget-Advance programme of research which is funded by the European Research Council. I also have research projects ongoing into the genetic determinants of response to osteoporosis treatments, the pathogenesis of pregnancy associated osteoporosis, and the treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta. The ultimate aim of these projects is to translate the knowledge gained in the laboratory to improve clinical outcome for patients.
I am programme director for the MSc in Clinical Trials, director of Kennedy Trust MB-ChB programme and I also contribute to teaching of medical undergraduates in rheumatology.
I undertake clinics in general rheumatology and have a special interest in osteoporosis and metabolic bone diseases. I have extensive experience in clinical trial design and methodology.
Doctor of Medicine, Pathogenesis and management of cancer-associated hypercalcaemia, University of Glasgow
Award Date: 1 Jan 1987
Bachelor of Medicine, University of Glasgow
Award Date: 1 Jan 1978
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Letter
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Ralston, S. (Principal Investigator)
1/03/22 → 31/12/27
Project: Research
Ralston, S. (Principal Investigator)
The Kennedy Trust For Rheumatology Research
1/02/22 → 31/12/29
Project: Research
Ralston, S. (Principal Investigator)
1/08/18 → 31/07/25
Project: Research
Ralston, S. (Principal Investigator)
1/08/18 → 31/07/25
Project: Research
Valdes Hernandez, M. (Creator), Smith, K. (Creator), Bastin, M. (Creator), Amft, N. (Creator), Ralston, S. (Creator), Wardlaw, J. (Creator) & Wiseman, S. (Creator), Edinburgh DataShare, 28 Nov 2019
DOI: 10.7488/ds/2716
Dataset
1/04/25
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Research
3/11/12
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research
25/07/12
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research
12/08/11
2 items of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research
3/04/12
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Public Engagement Activities