Disability and rehabilitation
This broad area covers health sciences’ core lines, including inpatients and burns, musculoskeletal and back pain, neurological conditions causing disability, cardiovascular systems and rheumatology.
Musculoskeletal and back pain
This sub-area spans lab-based mechanistic studies, epidemiological population-level studies and translational research.
Our researchers are leading national studies such as painHEALTH, assisting those living with pain, and The Raine Study, a long-term investigation into pregnancy and its effects. Recent successes include NHMRC funding for research conducted by Anne Smith and Peter O’Sullivan.
Rheumatology
This sub-area covers osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and joint hypermobility syndrome.
High profile research projects include RAP-el, rheumatoid arthritis e-learning for physiotherapists, and The Hypermobility Unit, for families with children suffering from joint hypermobility syndrome.
Cardiovascular, respiratory and inpatients
This sub-area spans hospital care (inpatient and outpatient), cardiovascular studies and cancer.
Researchers in this area collaborate with the Sao Paulo Research Foundation (Brazil) and the Australia Technology Network of Universities. Recent successes include NHMRC funding granted to Meg Harrold and postdoctoral fellowships awarded to Vin Cavalheri (Cancer Council WA) and Graham Hall (Telethon Kids).
Burns
This sub-area is closely aligned to the Fiona Wood Foundation.
Neuroscience and neurodevelopmental disability
This sub-area includes spinal cord injury rehabilitation and the impact of exercise on brain health, rare disorders, intellectual disability and neuromuscular disorders.
It covers epidemiological, measurement and intervention studies.