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See the photos: The Queen presents research award to Inger Mechlenburg

On Monday 13 October, Professor Inger Mechlenburg from the Department of Clinical Medicine and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Aarhus University Hospital received the Queen Ingrid Research Prize 2025.

Queen Ingrid’s Research Award was presented by Her Majesty Queen Margrethe, Patron of the Danish Rheumatism Association, to Professor Inger Mechlenburg. To the left of the Queen stands the Association’s Chair, Martin Bøge Mikkelsen, and to the right of Inger Mechlenburg stands the Association’s Director, Mette Bryde Lind.
Queen Ingrid’s Research Award was presented by Her Majesty Queen Margrethe, Patron of the Danish Rheumatism Association, to Professor Inger Mechlenburg. To the left of the Queen stands the Association’s Chair, Martin Bøge Mikkelsen, and to the right of Inger Mechlenburg stands the Association’s Director, Mette Bryde Lind. Photo: Linda Johansen.

The formal attire was freshly pressed, and the air was filled with anticipation beneath the royal chandeliers in 'Havesalen' at Fredensborg Palace, as Her Majesty Queen Margrethe presented Queen Ingrid’s Research Award on Monday, 13 October. In the distinguished setting, Professor Inger Mechlenburg received the award for her significant contributions to arthritis research.

Since 2004, Inger Mechlenburg has studied the effects of exercise as a treatment for patients with osteoarthritis in the hip, knee, and shoulder. Her research has documented that exercise does not worsen pain, even in severe osteoarthritis, but can in fact reduce the need for surgery.

This means that surgery can be reserved for those who will benefit most, allowing healthcare resources to be used more effectively.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this prestigious award. Throughout my life, I have worked to strengthen our knowledge of treating people with pain, reduced function, and impaired quality of life. And I am proud that one of the things I am being recognised for is being a voice for patients. It has always been important to me that my research provides knowledge that people with musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis can use to take part in decisions about their care,” says Inger Mechlenburg.

Photo: Linda Johansen.
Photo: Linda Johansen.

Queen Ingrid’s Research Award was established in 1978 and is awarded annually in connection with World Arthritis Day. The award includes a grant of DKK 250,000 earmarked for the recipient’s research.

Photo: Linda Johansen.
Photo: Linda Johansen.

I prisindstillingen fremhæves det især, at Inger Mechlenburg med sin forskning har mindsket generne for de mange tusinde mennesker i Danmark, som lever med led- og muskelsygdomme.

Photo: Linda Johansen.
Photo: Linda Johansen.

Inger Mechlenburg received the The Rheumatism Association’s research award for her scientific efforts to advance the prevention and treatment of arthritis. Her Majesty Queen Margrethe presented the award in the Garden Hall at Fredensborg Palace.

Contact

Professor Inger Mechlenburg
Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine and
Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Phone: +45 21 67 90 62
Email: inger.mechlenburg@clin.au.dk

Revised 14.04.2026
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Web team at Health