06 March 2026
Each year, International Women’s Day invites us to reflect not only on progress made, but on the women whose work still impacts us to this day. In rheumatology, one name stands out in particular – Dr Barbara Ansell. Her legacy lives on through the BSR Annual Conference paediatric keynote lecture, this year delivered by the exceptional Professor Kimme Hyrich.
A pioneer of paediatric rheumatology in the UK, Ansell transformed what was once a poorly defined and often misunderstood area of medicine into a recognised subspecialty. At a time when childhood arthritis was largely grouped under vague labels such as Still’s disease or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, she helped establish a clearer classification system. That work, developed alongside colleagues at the Canadian Red Cross Memorial Hospital in Taplow, was later adopted by many international bodies including the World Health Organization.
Ansell’s approach to children was truly holistic. She recognised that treating chronic arthritis in children meant supporting families, enabling mobility, and preserving childhood itself. She championed clinical trials for new therapies, explored safer steroid regimens to avoid growth stunting, and collaborated with orthopaedic surgeons to pioneer joint replacement procedures for young patients. Through research, innovation and relentless advocacy, she helped countless generations of children to live fuller, more mobile lives.
She also shaped the future workforce. Doctors from across the UK and overseas trained in her unit and went on to establish specialist paediatric rheumatology services of their own. By the turn of the century, there were 30 paediatric units across the UK - a testament to her influence.
International Women’s Day recognises that women like Barbara Ansell entered medicine at a time when specialist services were still evolving and female leadership in clinical research was far from the norm. She qualified just as the NHS was being established and helped shape the development of specialist services for children and families within it.
Her career - marked by over 300 publications, international honours and a CBE- demonstrates her unwavering determination, and extensive expertise.
It is therefore fitting that her name continues to inspire at BSR Annual Conference. The Barbara Ansell Address, our paediatric keynote lecture, honours her lasting contribution to children’s rheumatology. This year, the address will be delivered by Kimme Hyrich, a leading voice in paediatric rheumatology whose work continues to advance research, data-driven care and long-term outcomes for young patients.
As we gather at this year’s BSR Annual Conference, the Barbara Ansell Address stands as more than a programme slot. It is a reminder: the work we do today becomes someone else’s foundation tomorrow.
Don’t miss this lecture – book your conference ticket now.