The unique expertise of our osteoarthritis researchers at the Kolling Institute has been recognised, with world-leading clinician researcher Professor David Hunter receiving a remarkable $3 million NHMRC Leadership Investigator Grant.
These grants are the NHMRC’s flagship funding scheme, offering valuable research support and flexibility.
They are highly competitive, with just 234 of the nearly 1,900 applications funded, representing an overall success rate of 12 per cent.
With more than three million Australians living with osteoarthritis, the research will aim to transform care by focusing on new approaches to prevent osteoarthritis and accelerate effective treatments.
It will also work towards improving access to evidence-based care through face-to-face, telehealth, digital and community-based programs, while using large Australian and international datasets to predict risk and guide earlier, personalised intervention.
Consumer co-design, health-system partnerships, implementation research and health-economic evaluation will be embedded throughout the program.
Professor Hunter said it was an enormous privilege to receive this support from the NHMRC.
“The five-year grant gives our team the stability to pursue an ambitious program of research spanning prevention, new treatments and better delivery of care for people living with osteoarthritis,” he said.
“Osteoarthritis is often dismissed as an inevitable consequence of ageing, but there is an enormous opportunity to prevent the condition, intervene earlier and ensure that people receive effective care before their pain and disability become severe.
“Our goal is to shift osteoarthritis care away from a fragmented and reactive model towards prevention, earlier prediction and personalised action. We want the research to translate into practical improvements for patients, clinicians and the health system.
“This award also reflects the outstanding work of our multidisciplinary team and our many consumer, clinical, health-system and international partners.
“Importantly, the program will provide important opportunities to support and mentor the next generation of osteoarthritis researchers.”
