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  • Sydney Health Partners Roadshow heads North

    Sydney Health Partners Roadshow heads North

    Northern Sydney Local Health District hosted the latest stop on Sydney Health Partners’ 2025 roadshow, Translation in Action.

    More than 70 researchers and clinicians gathered at the Kolling Institute to hear presentations by colleagues involved in translational research projects, and to see how Sydney Health Partners is assisting research translation.

    The Kolling’s Academic Director Professor James Elliott said the district is proud to work with Sydney Health Partners to support the introduction of new approaches.

    “By introducing these better models of care on a bigger scale, we have the potential to reach large parts of the community within our district, and to test these approaches for a much larger population,” he said.

    He encouraged everyone to consider the research opportunities in their individual field.

    “We know that districts with an active research culture, where research is embedded as part of clinical care, deliver better patient experiences and better long-term health outcomes.”

    Acting Executive Director of Sydney Health Partners, Professor Andrew Baillie, described the research translation pipeline, from discovery to implementation.

    “The truth is that some great, evidence-based, interventions never make it to the other end of the pipe,” he said. “In that sense, Sydney Health Partners can be viewed as plumbers trying to fix a leaky and complicated set of pipes, and implementation science is one of our plumbing tools.”

    Leading medical oncologist Professor Stephen Clarke praised the efforts of everyone involved with SHP to embed research in the day-to-day operations of hospitals.

    “It used to be that research was almost regarded as the self-indulgence that interfered with core hospital business, and I think what we’re doing now is saying it’s an essential part of health services,” he said.

    Following the Roadshow NSLHD Executive Director of Research, Associate Professor Naomi Hammond said the information presented had been timely.

    “What I’m seeing is that there’s more and more people coming now to ask what they can do to get research happening in their area,” she said.

    “I think this is where Sydney HealthPartners comes in: an expert research group that can support clinician researchers to bring research into their practice.”  

  • National campaign to combat misinformation about osteoarthritis care

    National campaign to combat misinformation about osteoarthritis care

    Co-inciding with World Arthritis Day (12 October), researchers from the University of Sydney and the Kolling Institue are urging the community to avoid low-value osteoarthritis care, in favour of evidenced-based resources to help manage the condition.

    Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and one of the leading causes of disability globally. It affects over 2 million people in Australia alone, and yet there is a critical gap in care, with the majority of people often provided with outdated advice, and low-value treatments.

    Leading rheumatologist, and University of Sydney and Kolling Institute researcher Professor David Hunter said when it comes to osteoarthritis treatments, many people are wasting their time and money.

    “By dispelling common myths and providing people with evidence-based knowledge, we can empower them to improve their pain, mobility, and quality of life,” he said.

    Researchers have joined a campaign with Arthritis Australia to focus on empowerment through knowledge. It directs people to four trusted, easy-to-access resources to broaden their understanding of the condition and practical steps to manage it.

    Practical, Proven, and Free – Four Resources That Make a Difference:

    ● Read: MyOA – Plain-language guides, tools, and strategies for daily management

    ● Listen: Joint Action Podcast – Expert and lived experience episodes

    ● Watch: OA Essentials Webinar – Practical tips for managing OA pain in just 30 minutes

    ● Participate: OA Research Participant Network – Connects Australians with relevant research opportunities. Click here for more details:

    “These resources are clear, credible, and freely available,” said Louise Hardy, Interim CEO of Arthritis Australia.

    “The more people we can reach through trusted organisations, newsletters, and social media, the more likely they are to feel confident in managing their condition.”

    Many Australians are still managing osteoarthritis based on myths and misinformation like:

    ● Avoiding exercise out of fear — when movement is one of the most effective ways to reduce pain and improve function
    ● Using opioids — despite strong recommendations against their use for OA
    ● Paying for expensive treatments like stem cells and platelet rich plasma — current evidence suggests these are no more effective than salt water injections
    ● Believing surgery is inevitable — when a joint replacement isn’t in most people’s future
    ● Overlooking the impact of small changes — even modest weight loss and diet shifts reduce pain and load

    “Too many Australians are still being told there’s nothing they can do, and that’s simply not true,” said Professor Hunter.

    “The key is making small, consistent changes in line with what the evidence supports. If in doubt, stick to the basics: move regularly and gently, understand which treatments are truly effective, and surround yourself with a support network that helps motivate you.” 

  • September 2025 Kolling NEWS

    September 2025 Kolling NEWS

    Our latest Kolling Institute newsletter is out detailing the very latest updates from our expert team of researchers, including some promising progress with our bowel cancer investigators. 

    There’s an opportunity to join a clinical trial to minimise the impact of osteoarthritis, a new approach to reduce spinal cord injury related pain and an international award recognising 40 years of service to health and research…. and much more:

    Click here to read through this edition.

  • Changing of the guard

    Changing of the guard

    After more than 25 years leading visionary research, Professor Ian Cameron has stepped down as the head of the internationally respected John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research.

    Accomplished researcher, educator and clinician Professor Ashley Craig has been appointed to the role and will lead a large team of experienced and emerging investigators.

    Dr Mohit Arora steps into the new position of Deputy Head, with Dr Kishan Kariippanon the John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research Manager.

    Professor Craig has paid tribute to his long-standing colleague.

    “Ian Cameron is one of Australia’s leading rehabilitation specialists and a world leader in complex injuries and physical outcomes, compensation issues, and ageing complications,” he said.

    “He was instrumental in the establishment and growth of the John Walsh Centre and has long advocated for rehabilitation to be recognised as a specific research area.

    “He has led many clinical trials related to rehabilitation, disability and ageing, while fostering a new generation of researchers, and encouraging them to develop their research careers.”

    Professor Cameron also played a key role in driving reforms within the CTP injury compensation scheme in NSW and developing best practice guidelines.

    Pioneering Rehabilitation Research

    Appointed in 1997, Professor Cameron’s vision was to develop an interdisciplinary research centre focusing on injury related disability and rehabilitation. The centre was to have both research and education roles, and these strengths were realised over time.

    NSW government funding supported the appointment of academic staff with backgrounds in rehabilitation medicine, neuropsychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and clinical psychology and psychophysiology.

    As part of Sydney University’s Faculty of Medicine, the centre had strong links with local, interstate and international researchers. The ties with the university also enabled the establishment of a rehabilitation stream in the Sydney Medical Program.

    Significant research support continues to be received from core funders icare NSW and the NSW State Insurance Regulatory Authority or SIRA. The centre has also been successful in achieving multiple National Health and Medical Research Council/ MRFF grants. Its research focus centres on musculoskeletal injury, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and psychological injury.

    Many PhD and other higher degree students have been supervised, and some have become leaders in health and related areas. Two are now mid-career researchers in the centre.

    The centre was located at Royal Rehab at Ryde until 2015 when it was renamed the John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research and moved to the Kolling Institute. Increased funding for academic salaries was achieved in 2021 from icare and SIRA, which allowed the appointment of the next generation of researchers and educators.

    A new era

    Today, the centre continues to increase its research impact.

    Professor Craig said that in recent months, researchers have received several top international awards, including the International Spinal Cord Society gold medal, which was presented to Professor Lisa Harvey for her remarkable services to spinal cord injury research over many years.

    “There have been some major publications, including a breakthrough paper on the cumulative health burden following road traffic injuries in BMC Medicine, and Hannah Withers’ award for the best paper at the World Physiotherapy Conference,” he said.

    “The centre continues to encourage the next generation of early and middle-career researchers, with senior rehabilitation researchers holding leadership roles within the Kolling Institute.

    “Our investigators are also strengthening our research and educational collaborations with The University of Sydney, the Northern Sydney Local Health District, the NSW Health Agency for Clinical Innovation and through professional networks.

    “This is crucial as we work to extend our impact, support the community and improve long-term health outcomes.”  

  • Spine Health Focus

    Spine Health Focus

    As we mark Spinal Cord Injuries Awareness week, we would like to highlight the clinicians, researchers and members of the community working to improve outcomes for people living with a spinal cord injury.

    Research improving spinal care

    At the Kolling Institute, we have a large number of people driving innovative and potentially life-changing research, including the expert team at the John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research.

    Here, investigators are using the very latest and promising therapies to reduce the disabling pain often experienced by people with a spinal cord injury. They’ve developed national healthcare guidelines and they’re improving crucial resources. Our researchers are also providing valuable information about the best rehabilitation techniques.

    More than 50 years of spinal care and research at Royal North Shore Hospital

    Royal North Shore has a long history of advancing clinical care and research in spinal injury and spinal disease.

    This was driven by Professor Tom Taylor, who was appointed the inaugural Professor of Orthopaedic and Traumatic Surgery at the University of Sydney in 1969. He was a true clinical scientist, well before the term gained common parlance.

    Tom was a specialist spine surgeon and internationally recognised authority on spinal trauma and paediatric spinal pathology.

    In his position as head of Orthopaedics at RNSH, Professor Taylor not only grew the clinical spine service but also founded the Raymond Purves and the Murray Maxwell Biomechanics Labs. These are now part of the Kolling Institute and continue to conduct research into spine injury and disease.

    Research at the Raymond Purves Lab continues Professor Taylor’s legacy, with over 100 publications related to disc disease. These have made extraordinary contributions to our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of this condition, and advanced new treatment approaches using stem cells.

    SpineCare Foundation offering strong support

    Professor Taylor’s impact in spinal injury and disease extends beyond RNSH, through the SpineCare Foundation. It cares for children with spinal cord disease or injury, and initiated the schools’ scoliosis testing program for adolescent girls.

    The SpineCare Foundation continues today as part of Northcott, and in 2025, is celebrating 40 years of support for research, new resources and education for children with spinal cord injury and dysfunction.

    SpineCare is currently supporting two PhD projects at Western Sydney University, and every year funds multiple scholarships to support students with a spine associated disability to attend tertiary education and pursue a higher degree.

    This wonderful program reflects Professor Taylor’s firm belief in the importance and power of education.

    Continuing the RNSH and Kolling connection, Professor Chris Little, the current director of the Raymond Purves Research Lab, sits on the Board of the SpineCare Foundation.

    “I’m so pleased to be able to support research and education in spinal injury and disease, both through the discovery science we do in the lab and the opportunities made possible through the SpineCare Foundation,” he said.

    “Having even a small part in helping extraordinarily talented people with spinal injuries and conditions achieve their higher education goals through the SpineCare Scholarships is really humbling.”

    “I’m excited to publicise and support Spinal Cord Injuries awareness week this week.

    “Fittingly, on World Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day (Sept 5), I will be co-hosting with Professor Ashish Diwan (Chair of Spinal Surgery University of Adelaide) and Prof Chris Maher (Director of the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health University of Sydney) the 7th Annual Sydney Spinal Symposium. The symposium aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among professionals dedicated to improving spinal care.”

  • Researchers helping those with osteoarthritis weave more exercise into their day

    Researchers helping those with osteoarthritis weave more exercise into their day

    Our researchers at the Kolling Institute are leading a national clinical trial to support people with hip or knee osteoarthritis become more active.

    Study co-lead Dr Vicky Duong said we know that staying active is an important part of managing osteoarthritis symptoms, and yet 90 per cent of people with the condition are not meeting the national physical activity guidelines.

    Our team from Osteoarthritis Clinical Research Group has launched a study to identify the best way to incorporate more activity into each day.

    The trial will involve a 12-week self-guided physical activity program where participants will be offered either a detailed program and a Fitbit activity tracker, or just the assistance of the Fitbit tracker.

    Dr Duong said it was important to involve the community in the design of this trial.

    “Last year, we travelled around Australia to help adapt and design the program to ensure it was relevant for people right across the country,” she said.

    “We hope that by listening to a broad range of communities that we have developed a program which will deliver improved results and better health outcomes.”

    Co-lead Dr Sarah Kobayashi said the guidelines recommend 150 to 300 minutes of moderate physical activity a week or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week, or an equivalent combination of both.

    “This level of activity directly reduces osteoarthritis symptoms and helps people manage the condition, so we’re looking forward to finding an evidenced-based approach to help the community reach that amount of activity,” she said.

    The study has been funded by the Medical Research Future Fund and supported by Arthritis Australia state groups.

    If you’re interested in joining the trial, further details can be found on the website. 

    The study has been approved by the NSLHD HREC  2024/ETH01898.

  • Combining medication and exercise could greatly reduce osteoporosis risk

    Combining medication and exercise could greatly reduce osteoporosis risk

    Researchers from the Kolling Institute and Royal North Shore Hospital are inviting women aged 50-80 to join a study to assess the effectiveness of combining exercise with medication for better bone and muscle health in postmenopausal women.

    Endocrinologist and researcher Dr Shejil Kumar said we know that exercise has benefits for bone and muscle health, and there are effective treatments available to strengthen bones.

    “However, what we don’t know is whether combining exercise plus medication at the same time can lead to even greater improvements in bone and muscle health than either approach on its own,” he said.

    The study will use a medication which is registered and approved in Australia and has been shown to increase bone density and reduce fracture risk in large international studies.

    The research team will aim to assess how different combinations of treatment improve bone density, muscle strength, body composition, physical function and risk of falls.

    Participants will be randomly assigned to different treatment groups, including a supervised group class focusing on weightbearing exercises and a home-based exercise program concentrating on mobility and balance.

    “We believe this combination will be more effective and could dramatically change the way we treat and prevent osteoporosis going forward,” Dr Kumar said.

    Researchers have recruited 45 women into the study and are hoping to reach a target of 75 by 2026.

    For further information email Shejil.Kumar@health.nsw.gov.au.

    (The study has been approved by the NSLHD Ethics Committee (2022/ETH01794)  

  • International honour for Kolling researcher after 40-year service to spinal cord injury care

    International honour for Kolling researcher after 40-year service to spinal cord injury care

    A career dedicated to improving the physiotherapy management of people with spinal cord injury has been recognised with the highest honour by the International Spinal Cord Society.

    Leading physiotherapist and researcher Professor Lisa Harvey was presented with the gold medal in front of the world’s best spinal cord injury clinicians and researchers in Belgium.

    Professor Harvey, who works at the John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research in close collaboration with the Spinal Unit at Royal North Shore Hospital, received the award for her outstanding contribution to the field of spinal cord injuries.

    Lisa has held many positions with the international society over the last three decades, including chair of the Education Committee, Editor-in-Chief of the society’s official publication, Spinal Cord, board member and now chair of the Science and Research Committee.

    She has been instrumental in the development of online training for healthcare professionals treating people with spinal cord injuries and has overseen the development of freely available software to support physiotherapists prescribing exercises.

    These resources can be found at www.elearnSCI.org and www.physiotherapyexercises.com

    Lisa has taught physiotherapy management for people with a spinal cord injury in most corners of the world and has authored the leading textbook in the field. Along with colleague, Joanne Glinsky, Lisa runs online courses for up to 25,000 students.

    She is also an active researcher, publishing widely and supervising PhD students. She is currently leading one of the largest international clinical trials to examine the effectiveness of a type of physiotherapy in the early days after injury.

    Lisa said she was very grateful to receive the top honour which brings an invitation to deliver a plenary lecture at the society’s conference in Sweden in November.

    “I feel particularly proud to have received the International Spinal Cord Society gold medal on behalf of allied health professionals, especially physiotherapists everywhere who have never been recognised in this way,” she said.

    “I would like to pay particular tribute to Associate Professor Joanne Glinsky who has been instrumental to my career and who, along with Claire Boswell Ruys, nominated me for this award.”  

  • Podcast offers insight into the future of healthcare

    Podcast offers insight into the future of healthcare

     A fascinating and informative podcast has been launched showcasing groundbreaking research, innovative healthcare, and inspiring stories from across Northern Sydney.

    Tomorrow’s Medicine Today is an initiative of the Northern Sydney Local Health District and the Kolling Institute, New South Wales’ oldest medical research institute.

    Co-hosted by the Kolling Institute’s Academic Director Professor James Elliott and leading Royal North Shore Hospital anaesthetist Dr Matthew Doane, the series offers an insight into the impressive clinicians and researchers driving innovation and life-changing healthcare.

    It’s a behind the scenes look at the latest advances in healthcare, as well as some inspiring stories from clinicians, researchers and their broader teams.

    Anthony Schembri, Chief Executive of the Northern Sydney Local Health District, said the podcast offers a great opportunity to highlight our strength in research and innovation.

    “Our teams are delivering truly outstanding work in healthcare and medical research,” he said.

    “This podcast is a fantastic platform to share that work with our community and direct the spotlight to the people behind the breakthroughs.”

    Co-host Professor James Elliott said the series demonstrates the depth of talent and discovery in Northern Sydney.

    “Each year, Stanford University publishes a list of the top two per cent of researchers globally, and many of those names are my colleagues right here at the Kolling Institute and the local health district,” he said.

    “That’s what inspired this podcast. It’s a chance to share details of the world-class research and healthcare here in Northern Sydney with a wider audience.”

    The first episode is now available featuring Associate Professor Sarah Glastras on the future of diabetes care and prevention.

    Listen here:

    New episodes will be released fortnightly. You can also check them out on Spotify: 

  • Celebrating over 100 years of innovation

    Celebrating over 100 years of innovation


    The inaugural Eva Kolling Research Day was staged within Royal North Shore Hospital, providing the perfect chance to celebrate the vision and generosity of a true pioneer.

    Established in 1920, the Kolling Institute is the oldest medical research institute in New South Wales. It has been at the forefront of cutting-edge research for more than a hundred years, with its founding director Dr W. Wilson Ingram opening the first clinic for diabetes treatment in Australia.

    In 1931, a new two-storey building was officially opened and named the Kolling Institute of Medical Research after businessman Charles Kolling. His widow Eva was a strong supporter of research and made a substantial donation towards the development of the new building.

    The Kolling Institute’s iconic photo features Eva laying a foundation stone. 

    Her vision and the long-standing impact of the Kolling were highlighted at the inaugural research day by Royal North Shore Hospital honorary archivist Catherine Storey OAM, who shared insights into the Kolling’s remarkable journey.

    The institute’s Academic Director Professor James Elliott said the event offered the chance for researchers to engage with visitors, to learn more about the health challenges facing the community, and to share details of their current research.

    “A key part of our research success will depend on the strength of our community ties, including community driven clinical trials and broad community involvement,” he said.

    “I would also like to thank the NORTH Foundation for their unrelenting support, and for raising awareness of the dedicated and skilled clinician researchers within the Kolling Institute.”

    Early-to-mid-career researchers presented a poster display, illustrating their commitment to improving health outcomes, driving new health policy, and realising global reach.

    Two awards were announced on the day, including an Excellence in Clinical Translation Science gong to Temitope Esther Afolabi from the Kolling’s Lab of Ageing and Pharmacology, and an Excellence in Basic Science award to Daisy (Qinrui) Chen from the Renal Research Lab. 

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