The ORS Musculoskeletal Biology Workshop, formerly known as the Sun Valley Workshop, has a long-standing history and is widely recognized for its major impact on scientific thinking in the field of skeletal biology, particularly in areas related to histomorphometry, in vivo animal models, and biomechanics. It is also recognized for its emphasis on training early career investigators, with numerous travel grants and awards given each year to support them.
The workshop was first held in 1965, with support from the NIDR (Mineralized Tissues of Interest to Dentistry, 1964-1974). Funding was specified for dental students interested in conducting dental-related research. This first workshop included six faculty members and nine students. Today, the workshop attracts close to 100 participants from around the world, all with an interest in musculoskeletal biology. Over the years, it has had several names, including the Sun Valley Hard Tissue Workshop, Sun Valley Workshop, and now the Musculoskeletal Biology Workshop.
Sun Valley, Idaho, has been home to the workshop since 1970. However, in 2021, it will be moved to Snowbird, Utah, which should provide another excellent venue for inspiration.
Participants at most of the last 30 workshops have included one or more anatomists, anthropologists, biomechanicians, biochemists, cell biologists, dentists and maxillofacial surgeons, endocrinologists, geneticists, gerontologists, internists, mathematicians, molecular biologists, orthopaedic surgeons, pathologists, pediatricians, pharmacologists, physicists, rheumatologists, and sports medicine experts.