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
Professor of Medicine
The University of Sydney
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
Staff Specialist Rheumatologist
Royal North Shore Hospital
Team Members
Dr Jillian Eyles
Senior Research Fellow
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Dr Jocelyn Bowden
Senior Research Fellow
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Dr Vicky Duong
Research Fellow
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Dr Sarah Kobayashi
Research Fellow
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Dr Leticia Deveza
Research Affiliate
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Rheumatologists
Royal North Shore Hospital
Dr Abdolhay Farivar
Research Affiliate
Faculty of Medicine and Health
The University of Sydney
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
Zhaohua (Alex) Zhu
Research Affiliate
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Benjamin Faber
Visiting Researcher, University of Bristol
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
Dr Karen Bracken
Clinical Trials Program Lead
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Karen Arruda-Schuck
Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator and Database Manager
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Simone (Mimi) Collins
Clinical Trial Coordinator
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Frances Daley
Clinical Trial Project Manager
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Scott Cherry
Clinical Trial Coordinator
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Emily Williamson
Clinical Trial Coordinator
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Naomi Hurwitz
Clinical Trial Coordinator
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Izabella Pokorski
Clinical Trial Project Manager
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
(Maryann) Vineeta Kurien
Clinical Trial Project Manager
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Camilla Herberstein
Clinical Trial Project Manager
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Lon Guglielmino
Operations Manager
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Yareni Guerrero Ayala
Research Assistant
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Yingting (Steven) Gu
Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Naomi Bloul
Clinical Trial Officer
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Katherine (Katie) Pitts
Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sydney Musculoskeletal Research Centre
The University of Sydney
Bimbi Gray
PhD Student
The University of Sydney
Kate Bryce
PhD Student
The University of Sydney
Naomi Simick Behera
PhD Student
The University of Sydney
Abu Siddiq
PhD Student
The University of Sydney
Dingyuan Fan
PhD Student
The University of Sydney
Aida Soghi
PhD Student
The University of Sydney
Alina Puang
PhD Student
The University of Sydney
Jayden Choi
PhD Student
The University of Sydney
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 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 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 grant. A 5-year follow-up study has also been funded by Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA.
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.
For more information: Atlas Arthritis
Arthritis Australia – advocacy and translation partnership supporting consumer engagement and national strategy development
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners— Clinical guideline collaboration for osteoarthritis care.
Osteoarthritis Research Society International — International research collaboration and leadership in osteoarthritis research and initiatives.
National Institutes of Health-funded Osteoarthritis Biomarkers Consortium — International research collaboration to develop and qualify osteoarthritis biomarkers.
Erasmus University – academic partnership providing mentoring in grant and manuscript writing
