Catherine Bowen

After qualifying as a podiatrist in the UK in 1987 Catherine worked in the NHS as a clinical academic and moved to the University of Brighton in 1996 where she was employed as a senior lecturer and programme lead for the MSc Podiatry. She moved to the University of Southampton in 2003 being appointed to programme lead for the BSc Hons Podiatry and subsequently NIHR MRes co-lead. Catherine completed her PhD on the developments of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging techniques applied to the foot and ankle in 2009. Catherine was the first to identify ultrasound imaging as an additional skill that could be used reliably by podiatrists, particularly those working in musculoskeletal health and since then has pioneered and driven the clinical uptake of ultrasound imaging now used worldwide to expand expertise in foot and ankle musculoskeletal services.

Catherine has extensive experience in leading strategic multi-professional groups in her field and continues to make a significant contribution to sustainability of the national and international research through leading roles. For example, as Editor in Chief of the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, a member of Royal College of Podiatry Clinical Senate and Professoriate. As Chair for the OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) Foot and Ankle Research Consortium, she is currently involved in leading an international consensus exercise for prioritising research that will inform the global public health impact of foot-ankle osteoarthritis to advance our ability to treat this disabling condition.

In recognition of her work, Catherine has received a prestigious meritorious award from the Royal College of Podiatry (2014) and became the first podiatrist to receive a Chartered Scientist Award (2014). In peer recognition of her academic standing Catherine has been elected to a number of positions including Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Fellow of the Royal College of Podiatry Faculty of Podiatric Medicine and Fellow of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine, The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow.

Throughout her academic career, Catherine has championed the advancement of early career researchers notably through leadership of the UK wide Versus Arthritis (Arthritis Research UK) nurse and allied health internship scheme, and for women’s careers in science through leadership of the Faculty EDI and Athena SWAN committee for three years (20112014) and as a member of the Athena SWAN University steering group.