Welcome to ORCA

Orthopaedic Research Collaborative East Anglia

ORCA is a trainee-led research network dedicated to advancing orthopaedic research, education, and collaboration across the East of England. Founded to empower orthopaedic trainees and support high-quality clinical research, ORCA brings together clinicians, researchers, and institutions with a shared goal: improving patient care through evidence-based practice.

Our Mission

We aim to:

Support orthopaedic trainees in developing research skills and academic excellence
Deliver high-quality, multi-centre research projects with real clinical impact
Promote collaboration between hospitals, trainees, and consultants across the region
Provide accessible education in research methodology and evidence-based practice

What We Do

🔬 Research Collaboration

We facilitate and coordinate regional research projects, giving trainees hands-on experience in the full research process—from concept to publication.

🎓 Education & Training

Our flagship Cambridge Research Methodology Course, now in its 6th year, is a free and compulsory course for T&O CCT trainees, providing essential research training in line with national and international curricula.

🧠 Mentorship & Support

We connect trainees with experienced researchers and supervisors, offering guidance on ethics, methodology, publication, and academic development.

Get Involved

Whether you’re just starting out in research or looking to lead a project, ORCA offers a platform to grow your academic portfolio and contribute to meaningful studies.
👉 Join our network and be part of a thriving research community making a difference in orthopaedics.