Stuart H Ralston graduated in Medicine from Glasgow University in 1978 and underwent higher medical training in General Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. He previously held the chair of Medicine and Bone Metabolism at the University of Aberdeen and moved to Edinburgh University in 2005 when he now holds the Arthritis Research UK Chair of Rheumatology. He is currently director of Edinburgh University’s online distance learning MSc in clinical trials and was director of Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit between 2009 and 2016. He holds an honorary consultant rheumatologist position with NHS Lothian where he is clinical lead for the osteoporosis service and clinical director of the rheumatology service. Professor Ralston has researched widely on the molecular and genetic basis of osteoporosis and other bone and joint diseases. He has a special interest in the pathogenesis and management of Paget’s disease of bone. He is joint editor-in-chief of Calcified Tissue International and editor of Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine. He currently chairs the Commission for Human Medicines for the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority of the UK.