Prof Christopher Edwards

Chris Edwards is a clinical rheumatologist, experienced in early stage trials whose research focuses on treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

With expertise in the planning and delivery of early stage trials, Chris has developed strong local and international partnerships with clinical and academic colleagues, centred on his musculoskeletal research and role as associate director of our NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility.

Chris’ research focusses on understanding the causes and epidemiology (who is affected and why) of inflammatory rheumatic diseases including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, working closely with Southampton bone and joint research colleagues (Prof Cyrus Cooper, Prof Richard Oreffo). Through this work Professor Edwards is an investigator for a number of stratified medicine trials to better understand the targeting of therapies for individuals.

Chris is a member of international committees working to produce guidelines for the best management of rheumatic diseases and is Chair of the EULAR education committee. Chris is Co-Director of the Southampton EULAR Centre of excellence (2015-2020,  2020-2025) and set up the Southampton Lupus Clinic (a Lupus UK Centre of Excellence) with colleagues in the department if rheumatology to provide care for patients with Lupus and related illnesses in Wessex.