St Hilda’s College congratulates Dr Sarah Snelling, Associate Professor at the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) and Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at St Hilda’s, who has been awarded the title of Professor of Musculoskeletal Science in the University of Oxford’s 2025 Recognition of Distinction round.
Professor Snelling leads an innovative research group at NDORMS, investigating how musculoskeletal tissues heal after injury or disease. Her lab applies cutting-edge genetic techniques to explore how cells respond within damaged tissues — work with important implications for conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, fractures, and osteosarcoma.
She also directs the CZI Tendon Seed Network, leads the Ancestrally Inclusive Musculoskeletal Single-Cell Network, and serves as Musculoskeletal Biological Network Coordinator for the Human Cell Atlas.
Reflecting on the award, Professor Snelling said:
“I am delighted to be awarded the title of Full Professor of Musculoskeletal Science. This recognition reflects not only my work but the unwavering support of my colleagues, collaborators, and the NDORMS community. I’m especially grateful to my exceptional team — past and present — their commitment and curiosity has been absolutely instrumental in making this milestone a truly shared achievement.”
NDORMS Head of Department, Professor Jonathan Rees, praised Sarah and her fellow 2025 awardees:
“This reflects their hard work and many contributions to NDORMS and the University in the domains of research, teaching and citizenship.”