The Osteoarthritis Clinical Research Group is a large, highly collaborative team dedicated to advancing clinical and translational research in osteoarthritis. Bringing together expertise from multiple disciplines, the group works closely with clinicians, researchers, and industry partners to address the complex challenges associated with musculoskeletal health.
A key focus of the group is the development and evaluation of innovative, accessible, and technology-enabled interventions aimed at improving patient outcomes. By leveraging digital health solutions and evidence-based approaches, the team seeks to accelerate recovery and reduce the global burden of musculoskeletal pain.
The group’s research spans epidemiology, imaging, clinical trials, novel therapies, and health services research. Through this work, the team aims to deepen understanding of osteoarthritis, enhance treatment strategies, and improve quality of life for those affected.
Musculoskeletal and rehabilitation
Team Lead
Professor David Hunter
Florance and Cope Chair of Rheumatology
Osteoarthritis Research
Medicine, Northern Clinical School
Team Members
Dr Jillian Eyles
Research Fellow
Medicine, Northern Clinical School
Dr Leticia Deveza
Clinical Senior Lecturer
Dr Sarah Kobayashi
Research Fellow
Dr Vicky Duong
Research Fellow
Osteoarthritis Research
Dr Jocelyn Bowden
Senior Research Fellow
Karen Arruda-Schuck
Clinical Trials Coordinator
Lon Guglielmino
Research Admininstration Officer
Dr Sarah Robbins
Project Manager
Dr Xiaoqian Liu
Clinical Research Fellow
Simone (Mimi) Dennis
Clinical Trial Assistant
Ka Martina
PhD Student
Naomi Simick Behera
PhD Student
Bimbi Gray
PhD Student
Abdolhay Farivar
Visiting Researcher
Bailey Walker
Research Assistant
Naomi Bloul
Clinical Trials Officer
Karen Bracken
Clinical Trials Program Lead
Frances Daley
Project Manager
Md Abu Siddiq
PhD Student
Zhaohua (Alex) Zhu
Research Fellow
Benjamin Faber
Visiting Researcher
Michelle Hall
Associate Professor
Scott Cherry
Clinical Trials Coordinator
Emily Williamson
Clinical Trials Coordinator
(Maryann) Vineeta Kurien
Clinical Trial Project Manager
Mila Van de Pol
Visiting Student
William Tedja
Honours student
Kate Bryce
PhD Student
Josielli Comachio
Clinical Trial Assistant
Naomi Hurwitz
Clinical Trial Coordinator
Dingyuan Fan
PhD Student
Aida Soghi
PhD Student
Yareni Guerrero Ayala
Research Assistant
Izabella Pokorski
Clinical Trial Project Manager
Camilla Herberstein
| Project Manager |
Soroush Haddad
Honours Student |
Yingting (Steven) Gu
Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator
Alina Puang
Master Student
Motoko Yoshihara
Biostatistician
The COASTAL study is a clinical research trial testing three different ways to deliver care for people with knee osteoarthritis:
- Face-to-Face Program (Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program – OACCP) delivered in a hospital setting
- Telehealth Program delivered via phone or video by a trained Care Support Team
- Mobile App Program (OA Coach app) delivered via smart device with personalised education and support
The goal is to find out which model of care works best to improve knee pain and function and support long-term management. This study is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Partnership grant.
The study aims to find out whether losing weight, staying active and keeping the weight off can help prevent osteoarthritis in women and if if a weight loss program is a cost-effective way to help prevent osteoarthritis in women. Participants will be randomly allocated to either a diet and exercise program group or a healthy lifestyle group.
This study is funded by the National Institutes of Health and Arthritis Foundation USA
A randomised-controlled trial of community-based physical activity and self-management of osteoarthritis (CASCADE-OA)
A study looking at whether a self-guided 12-week physical activity program can improve activity levels and well-being in people with hip or knee osteoarthritis. Participants will be assigned either to a group that will be provided with a self-guided 12-week physical activity program and a Fitbit to wear daily; or a group provided with Fitbit only.
This study is funded by a Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Effective Treatments and Therapies grant.
A study aiming to determine if Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium can improve knee pain and decrease blood cholesterol levels.
A study aiming to determine if stem cells injected into the knees of people with osteoarthritis can improve their symptoms compared with placebo, and whether it can slow disease progression in people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.
This main study is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grant. A 5-year follow-up study has also been funded by Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA (AOWA)
A comprehensive online e-Learning program that has been developed to build knowledge and skills among health professionals in best practice, evidence-based care. ATLAS has been developed, launched and evaluated by a consortium that includes The University of Sydney, The University of Melbourne, Curtin University and Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA. The consortium are currently developing a commercially viable and sustainable business model to transition ATLAS from a free tool to a self-funding enterprise.
Arthritis Australia – advocacy and translation partnership supporting consumer engagement and national strategy development
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) — Clinical guideline collaboration for osteoarthritis care.
Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) — International research collaboration and leadership in OA research and initiatives.
NIH-funded Osteoarthritis Biomarkers Consortium — International research collaboration to develop and qualify OA biomarkers.
Erasmus University – academic partnership providing mentoring in grant and manuscript writing
