Innovative research advancing health and wellbeing Year in Review 2025
Northern Sydney Local Health District
Contents
Overview from the Academic Director and Chairman
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Kolling Institute Governance Committee
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A Year at a Glance 2025
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Key Events
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Cancer Research
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Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Research
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Musculoskeletal and Rehabilitation Research
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Sensory, Neuroscience, Ageing, Pain and Psychiatry Research
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Acknowledgement of Country We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Northern Sydney Local Health District region, the Dharug and Guringai peoples. Their spirit can be found across the land and we honour the memory of their ancestors and Elders, past and present. As we endeavour to serve the health needs within the community, we recognise the importance of the land and the waterways, as an integral part of people’s health and wellbeing.
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Overview from the Academic Director and Chairman As we reflect on the achievements of 2025, we are immensely proud of the impact, collaboration and momentum across the Kolling Institute. We have marked a significant milestone in our journey as we conclude our successful 2021–2025 research strategy and begin the next chapter through the launch of our 2026–2030 strategy.
The achievements of the past five years have created a strong foundation from which we can confidently build, ensuring the Kolling remains at the forefront of discovery, innovation and implementation. The 2021–2025 strategy delivered growth in research excellence, strengthened collaborations, increased translation of research into practice and expanded our national and international footprint. Our researchers continued to deliver high-impact science, secure competitive funding, publish in leading journals and develop innovative solutions towards improving health and wellbeing for our communities. These achievements reflect the dedication of researchers, clinicians, professional staff, students, community partners and supporters. As we move into the 2026–2030 strategic period, we have a clear vision: to drive life-changing healthcare solutions, while our mission is focused on discovering, innovating and implementing research that improves health and wellbeing. The new strategy builds on our historic strengths while positioning the Kolling to address emerging health challenges, adapt to a changing research landscape and increase the real-world impact of our work. A significant development within the new strategy is the establishment of cancer as the Kolling’s fourth major research focus area, alongside our other research areas of cardiovascular, renal and metabolic; musculoskeletal and rehabilitation; and sensory, neuroscience, ageing, pain and psychiatry. This expansion reflects both the strength of
our existing cancer research capability and our commitment to improving outcomes for patients. Importantly, our future success will be guided by three strategic objectives: to strengthen our community partnerships, increase our collaborations, and improve our sustainability. These objectives recognise that meaningful research impact is only possible when we work together with patients, clinicians, community members, industry partners, philanthropists and fellow researchers to address the health priorities that matter most. The development of the 2026–2030 strategy was shaped by extensive consultation with stakeholders across the Kolling community and beyond. Together, we challenged ourselves to think not only about the next five years, but also about the next century of health research and innovation. The result is a strategy that honours our history while embracing a future defined by collaboration, curiosity, innovation and implementation. We would like to thank all our researchers, clinicians, staff, students, governance committee members, community partners, philanthropic supporters and our joint venture partners, the University of Sydney and Northern Sydney Local Health District, for their ongoing commitment to the Kolling Institute. Our greatest strength has always been our people. Together, we have accomplished a great deal over the past five years, and together we will build on these successes to create even greater impact for the health and wellbeing of future generations.
Michael Nugent Chair Kolling Institute Governance Committee
Professor James Elliott Academic Director Kolling Institute
Kolling Institute Governance Committee
The Northern Sydney Local Health District and the University of Sydney are proud of what has been achieved through the Kolling Institute’s joint venture partnership. Building on historic strengths, the partnership has brought together a leading health service and a world-class university to create an environment where discovery, innovation and implementation thrive. The success of the Kolling is founded on a shared commitment to research excellence, collaboration and impact. By combining clinical expertise, academic leadership, research infrastructure and strong community partnerships, the joint venture provides researchers with opportunities to address some of the most complex health challenges. Research performance in 2025 demonstrates the strength of this partnership. Researchers secured more than $15 million in competitive funding, published more than 470 peer-reviewed papers, expanded collaborations across 132 countries, and attracted philanthropic investment to support future growth and impact. The impact of the joint venture extends beyond traditional research measures. Through strong connections with patients, clinicians, industry and philanthropic partners, the Kolling is helping to create a research ecosystem where ideas can move more rapidly from discovery to implementation. This approach ensures that research remains relevant to the needs of our communities. Building on the momentum created in recent years, we look ahead to the implementation of the new health research strategy and its clear framework for sustained growth, stronger partnerships, and research that continues to make a meaningful difference to patients, communities and the broader health system. These achievements reflect the value of a shared commitment to research excellence.
Adjunct Professor Anthony Schembri AM
Professor John Prins
Associate Professor Naomi Hammond
Professor Mary Collins Chebib
Adjunct Professor Helen Zorbas AO
Irina White
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A Year at a Glance 2025
100% success rate in Category 3 funding
Funding support
78% success rate in Category 2 funding
$15.4 million in competitive funding
$16 million in joint venture partner philanthropic support
22% success rate in Category 1 funding
Grants submitted
Publications
92 grants submitted in 2025
474 papers
206 staff
36 administrative and support staff
Staff profile
83 higher degree research students
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Kolling Institute researchers delivered significant impact in 2025, expanding the scale, reach and influence of their research across discovery, translational and clinical domains. Their work advanced our understanding of a broad range of health conditions and diseases, while generating evidence to inform more effective models of care.
The institute’s research achievements reflect growing momentum across its programs, with increased output, stronger collaborations and a rising profile at local, national and international levels. Kolling researchers secured more than $15.4 million in competitive Category 1 research funding and a total of $16 million in joint venture philanthropic gifts in collaboration with our partners, the NORTH Foundation and the University of Sydney Advancement team.
The investment is expected to accelerate innovation, strengthen research capacity and drive meaningful improvements in health outcomes. Researchers published 474 papers in 2025, demonstrating a commitment to high quality, peer-reviewed journals, while international partnerships were strengthened with researchers collaborating on publications with investigators from over 130 countries.
Strengthening collaborations In 2025, Kolling researchers partnered with researchers across 132 countries and a total of 1,547 collaborators (excluding Australia), demonstrating a significant increase in the scale of international collaboration since 2023.
261 184 161
659 245 193
438 128 115
North America
Europe
Asia
127 35 22
1,547 2025 629 2024 524 2023
Africa
62 37 33
South America
Oceania
Number of international collaborators each year.
The information is provided by the SciVal publication data.
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Key Events
Kolling Symposium showcases impressive research expertise
Professor James Elliott (left) with the Kolling Award winners
Under the banner of “Discovery and Implementation through Innovations”, clinicians and scientists gathered for the 2025 Kolling Research Symposium to present new findings and discuss practical ways to strengthen collaboration across research and clinical care.
Northern Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Anthony Schembri opened the day by highlighting and celebrating the strong spirit of collaboration and research culture on the Royal North Shore Hospital campus. He emphasised that the culture extends across the district and is supported through the Kolling Institute, the joint-venture research partnership between NSLHD and the University of Sydney. Keynote speaker Sophie Scott spoke on the power of turning scientific data into stories that connect with the wider world and influence public policy. She told the story of physician John Snow, who
in 1854 traced a deadly cholera outbreak to one London water pump. By proving contaminated water, not foul air, was the cause, he had the pump handle removed, halting the spread of the disease and reshaping public health. Academic Director Professor James Elliott said the day was about celebrating research output, impact and reach. “It was genuinely inspiring to see clinicians and scientists share new findings and also discuss practical ways to strengthen collaboration across research and clinical care,” he said.
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Early and mid-career researchers across several disciplines presented on a range of topics, including growing mini kidneys from urine, new migraine-specific medication, and perceptions of deprescribing among patients, carers and medical staff. Professors Steve Meikle and Dale Bailey highlighted the novel ways a total-body PET scan, an advanced medical imaging technique that captures images of the whole body, can be used. The Kolling Awards were presented with Dr Matilda Longfield receiving the excellence in oral presentation award, and Amanda Purcell the excellence in poster presentation award. The PhD Supervision award was given to Associate Professor Elizabeth Clarke from the Murray Maxwell Biomechanics Laboratory, and
Associate Professor Karin Aubrey from the Pain Management Research Institute. The HDR Student Award went to Caitlin Fenech for her discovery research into pain. The Clinical Research Award went to Jackie Chu (John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research). The Discovery Science Award Category A was presented to Dr Henry Wu (Renal Research Group), while the Discovery Science Award Category B went to Dr Ryan Davis (Neurogenetics Research Group). Emily Williamson (Osteoarthritis Clinical Research Group) received the Professional Staff Clinical Prize, while Kaitlyn Trajcevski (Cancer and Stem Cell Laboratory) and Dr Matthew McKay (Bowel Cancer and Biomarker Laboratory) were recognised as professional staff lab awardees.
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Celebrating over 100 years of innovation
Award winners Daisy (Qinrui) Chen and Temitope Esther Afolabi with Professor James Elliott
The inaugural Eva Kolling Research Day was staged at Royal North Shore Hospital, providing an opportunity 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’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 a 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 like to thank the NORTH Foundation for their ongoing 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, 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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Researchers at the inaugural Eva Kolling Research Day
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Cancer Research
Game-changing blood test to detect bowel cancer
Anh Pham, Professor Mark Molloy, Benita Tse, Gabriella Parrilla, Matthew McKay
Bowel cancer is the third most common type of cancer in Australia and treating it is both costly and complex. Alarmingly, rates are rising among people under 50, and researchers still don’t know why.
“We’re very interested in whether we can move to a blood test, and not just any blood test. We’re working to do this from a few drops of blood collected from a finger prick.” Working with scientists from Sangui Bio, a biotechnology partner of the Kolling Institute, Professor Molloy has analysed proteins in blood samples from around 1,200 patients. “We can definitely see a signature in the blood from the finger prick sampling that’s linked to the presence of polyps and early cancers, but more research is needed.”
It is for these reasons that Professor Mark Molloy is on a mission to prevent the disease in the first place. Based in the Kolling Institute, the leading bowel cancer research specialist is running several projects looking at early detection. He says the first promising pathway is a blood test. Currently, the main screening method is a government-funded test that detects blood in the stool. It’s mailed to people over 50, but Professor Molloy says because it requires them to collect the sample themselves, only around 40 per cent return a completed test. “They don’t like handling a stool sample, and early cancers may not leak blood so they can go undetected by this method,” he said.
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Studying polyps
Professor Mark Molloy
Professor Molloy’s research aims to improve follow-up care after positive bowel cancer screening results. Current surveillance colonoscopy guidelines are based largely on polyp size and appearance, despite growing demand for colonoscopy services and limited evidence supporting existing timelines. By analysing tissue samples from patients undergoing colonoscopy, his team identified several genes linked to higher bowel cancer risk, independent of polyp size. They are now investigating whether these genetic markers can predict future polyp development and help prioritise high-risk patients for earlier follow-up procedures.
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Cancer Research
Multi-million grant to improve treatment for lung cancer
Leading RNSH clinician researcher Professor Nick Pavlakis and Professor Ben Solomon secured a $14.7 million MRFF grant for a clinical trial to explore the use of a liquid biopsy to inform treatment for lung cancer. The condition is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia and worldwide, claiming an estimated 9,000 lives in Australia each year. The pioneering study will place Australia at the forefront of global precision medicine by using liquid biopsies to revolutionise personalised lung cancer treatment. It involves some of the country’s most respected lung cancer clinicians and researchers and is available to patients across Australia. Professor Pavlakis said the large-scale clinical trial is involving more than 500 people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, offering them access to the exciting new treatment. “Over the last decade, treatment for non-small cell lung cancer has been transformed by the discovery of several genomic mutations that drive tumour growth,” he said. “This has led to effective new therapies which specifically target the mutation, moving away from general chemotherapy to daily tablets at home with tolerable side effects. “Many patients have survived up to 10 years living with their lung cancer, but in most cases, the cancer inevitably develops resistance to the targeted therapies.” To date, clinicians have relied on invasive tissue biopsies to inform treatment options, but this new clinical trial is investigating the use of a liquid biopsy (circulating tumour DNA) to guide a personalised approach throughout a patient’s journey.
Professor Nick Pavlakis
It could change the way lung cancer is treated and provide a model for other cancers as well. “A simple blood test will be less invasive, provide quicker results and will enable more frequent feedback on what genomic changes have occurred in response to treatment,” said Professor Pavlakis. “This will inform what treatments will be the best for a given patient. “The approach represents a unique opportunity to refine personalised medicine for lung cancer, not just at the time of diagnosis. “It is a major step forward and a testament to the many people involved in progressing our work to this point. “We anticipate it will lead to improved survival and quality of life, and may provide supporting evidence for broader liquid biopsy application to transform the treatment for other cancers as well.”
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Improving cancer detection in young people with neurofibromatosis type 1
Jack Dong, Associate Professor Mimi Berman, Dr Sue-Faye Siow, Tina Gonzalez
Researchers from the Kolling Institute and Royal North Shore Hospital launched Australia’s first study of whole-body screening for young people with neurofibromatosis type 1.
Led by Dr Sue-Faye Siow from the department of clinical genetics, the study was awarded a grant through the Royal North Shore Hospital Campus Research Grants Scheme, and an additional $30,000 in support from the NORTH Foundation. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an inherited condition that affects 1 in 2,500 people. Young adults with the condition face a 20-fold increase in cancer-related mortality, yet there are currently no routine imaging guidelines in Australia. The condition can cause tumours to grow on nerves throughout the body which can cause pain, nerve damage and skin changes. Up to 50 patients aged 18-40 years old are taking part in the research study to assess the feasibility and psychosocial impacts of the whole-body MRI screening program. Dr Siow said their project could be life-changing. “This is the first study of whole-body MRI screening of people with neurofibromatosis type 1 in Australia,” she said.
“We have the opportunity for early detection in this group of young people who have a high cancer risk.
“The project aims to inform national guidelines and significantly improve outcomes through earlier detection and treatment of cancer.” Kolling researchers are partnering with investigators on the research project which is being conducted through the Royal North Shore Neurofibromatosis Clinic. It is a statewide service led by Associate Professor Mimi Berman, in collaboration with national partner Omico. The Royal North Shore Campus Research Grants scheme funds exceptional research to improve standards of care and health outcomes locally and regionally. The scheme has directed more than $10 million to research on the campus over the last 20 years.
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Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Research
A heavy Christmas lunch, an argument or even smoke from a bushfire may seem harmless, but for people at risk of heart disease, they could be deadly. A study is investigating how emotional stress, pollution, chest infections, and large meals can trigger heart attacks in vulnerable people, and importantly, how to manage those triggers in the moment. Royal North Shore Hospital cardiologist and Kolling Institute researcher Professor Geoffrey Tofler is leading the clinical trial, which is testing whether taking aspirin or beta blockers at the time of a trigger can help prevent cardiac events. New study tests how stress and big meals can trigger a heart attack
During the trial, participants will use an app to log symptoms and receive stress-reduction advice.
Professor Geoff Tofler and his research team
Professor Tofler, who has researched heart attacks for close to 40 years, says the science tells us that some heart attacks aren’t random. “If people are aware of the triggers, there’s something they can do about them,” he said. Three sites are involved in the trial including Royal North Shore Hospital, North Shore Private and Westmead Hospitals.
Participants must have at least two risk factors for heart disease – such as high cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking or diabetes – or known heart disease. “If you’ve just had an argument or know you’re heading into a big meal, the app helps you act,” says Geoffrey.
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“You log the trigger, like anger or a heavy meal, and it guides you through what to do.
“Despite all the advances in understanding about risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and the treatments, heart attacks remain a leading cause of death,” he said.
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Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Research
Wraparound support needed to lose weight and extend longevity
The key to long term weight loss and good health is not just a new, dynamic medication like Ozempic, but a much broader approach involving comprehensive support. This is a view held by leading endocrinologist and senior Kolling Institute researcher Professor Sarah Glastras, who is calling for a shift away from the perception that these new game-changing medications are the only answer to complex health challenges like obesity and heart disease. Professor Glastras is part of a growing body of health professionals advocating for a holistic approach to weight loss, involving a multi- disciplinary team including an endocrinologist, dietitian, exercise physiologist and counsellor when necessary. New evidence is emerging around the risk of weight gain once the medication is stopped, and the potential loss of lean muscle in people who have rapid weight loss without adequate nutrition support. Professor Glastras says these risks can be reduced with a tailored health program, encompassing exercise, particularly resistance training, education and healthy diet support. “If we’re going to be able to make leaps and bounds in the space of weight management, not just for the individual, but for their family and their children, it has to be a lot more holistic than just the medication,” she said. “I’m very much in favour of being able to access all the team players.
Professor Sarah Glastras
“Hopefully, we’ll see better wraparound care going forward, including a national approach to adequate resources to make sure that weight loss programs are structured and holistic. “We’re running a lot of clinical trials at Royal North Shore Hospital in this area, and these trials offer a good opportunity to receive greater support.” The hospital’s Diabetes and Obesity Clinical Trial team is running clinical trials focusing on long-term weight management. One study is for adults who have obesity with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30 - or are overweight with a BMI over 27 and a health condition such as high blood pressure or prediabetes, and do not have type 2 diabetes. Professor Glastras said by taking part, you could help advance treatments for weight management and progress medical research, while also benefitting from a carefully monitored program. “Weight management is a life-long journey and our team enjoys helping people along their road to good health outcomes.”
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Mini kidney offers hope for personalised kidney disease treatment
A breakthrough by researchers at the Kolling Institute is bringing personalised medicine a step closer for people living with kidney disease, potentially transforming how the condition is treated. Led by internationally-recognised clinician researcher Professor Carol Pollock, the Renal Research Laboratory team has developed a kidney organoid or mini kidney that can be grown from a patient’s blood cells or urine, marking a significant milestone in kidney research. The innovation could pave the way for personalised treatment, allowing doctors to test how an individual’s kidneys would respond to specific medications before prescribing them. Professor Pollock said the organoids will be used to determine if a particular drug is effective. “We hope the technology will help identify which therapies are working for individual patients while avoiding medications that may cause harm,” she said. “The mini kidneys could also be used to evaluate new treatments and assess whether they can slow or even reverse kidney damage. “Importantly, they may help clinicians better understand the impact of combining multiple medications, a common challenge for patients with chronic kidney disease. “With this approach, we hope to be able to see what works and what doesn’t, reducing the trial-and- error approach in kidney disease management and replacing it with personalised treatment.”
The Renal Research Laboratory Team
The development comes as kidney disease continues to affect a growing number of people. More than 11 per cent of Australians live with kidney disease, a condition that claims more lives each year than breast and prostate cancer combined. This pioneering work offers renewed hope that personalised medicine could improve outcomes and quality of life for thousands of people living with the disease. The project is led by Professor Pollock in collaboration with Associate Professors Xin-Ming Chen and Sonia Saad, and Dr Long Nguyen.
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Musculoskeletal and Rehabilitation Research An innovative study with the potential to change the way osteoarthritis and low back pain are managed was launched by Kolling researchers. Pioneering study to improve sleep and reduce musculoskeletal pain
“Earlier trials have demonstrated a reduction in medication use and costs, and given the $7 billion cost of medications for osteoarthritis and low back pain each year, the projected savings could exceed $60 million a year.” The program will be adopted across nine public hospitals in NSW, Queensland and Western Australia, and will involve seven Australian universities and a UK institution. “We would like to thank the many consumers and partners who have helped us develop this project. It has the potential to be upscaled and could improve models of care and patient outcomes for a large number of people across Australia and internationally. “We are looking forward to reducing the severity of pain experienced by the community.”
More than $4.7 million was awarded to the project through the Medical Research Future Fund’s program for early to mid-career researchers. Study lead Associate Professor Michelle Hall said we know that chronic muscle pain and poor sleep often go hand-in-hand, yet sleep is rarely addressed in standard musculoskeletal care. “Our program however, is targeting insomnia as a first line treatment for a range of musculoskeletal pain conditions, including hip and knee osteoarthritis, and low back pain,” said the University of Sydney researcher. “These conditions are the leading cause of disability worldwide and co-exist with poor sleep. We know that insomnia affects up to 80 per cent of people with chronic musculoskeletal pain, and poor sleep actually worsens chronic pain. “Our ground-breaking program is measuring the impact of adding cognitive behavioral therapy to physiotherapy care for people with muscle pain and insomnia. “This type of therapy is a proven treatment for both sleep and chronic pain, yet it is not routinely offered due to limited psychologist availability and funding. “Physiotherapists are well-positioned to address this care gap, given they typically manage people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions and are more widely available than clinical psychologists. “Our approach could also represent a significant financial saving.
Associate Professor Michelle Hall
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In one of the first global clinical trials of its kind, researchers launched a study to investigate if a diet and exercise program aimed at weight loss could prevent crippling knee osteoarthritis. International clinical trial to determine if diet and exercise alone can prevent knee osteoarthritis
The trial is being led by researchers from the University of Sydney, NSLHD and the Kolling Institute in collaboration with an international team from the United States. The Osteoarthritis Prevention Study or TOPS is comparing the impact of a dietary weight-loss, exercise and weight-loss maintenance program with health education in preventing the development of knee osteoarthritis. The condition is the leading cause of disability among adults, particularly impacting women over 50 who are overweight or obese. The large-scale clinical trial will be conducted over four years, with participants receiving either a program of regular diet and exercise sessions or a healthy lifestyle program with information sessions, newsletters and text messages. Internationally recognised rheumatologist and clinician Professor David Hunter said the study is one of the first prevention clinical trials which could help women with occasional knee pain reduce their risk of knee osteoarthritis. “Our trial has come at a time when an increasing number of people are turning to medications like Ozempic to assist with weight loss and the management of knee osteoarthritis,” he said. “These weight-management medications are a feasible option for managing the condition, but
questions remain around safety, cost-effectiveness and the likelihood of weight rebounding. “Recent investigations by our team indicate that despite the promising results from trials of these medications, lifestyle interventions remain the first-line, safest and most cost-effective approach for people who are overweight, obese or living with knee osteoarthritis. “Building on that research, our clinical trial is aiming to confirm the most effective lifestyle strategies to prevent knee osteoarthritis before the condition develops.”
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Musculoskeletal and Rehabilitation Research
Spotlight on the long-term impact of road traffic accidents
Professor Ian Cameron and Dr Annette Kifley
Our researchers at the Kolling Institute have spent close to 20 years assessing the true impact of road traffic injuries and the best way to help people recover well after a crash.
The work, by the team from the John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, has not only highlighted the lingering effect of road accidents but directly influenced reforms to the CTP injury compensation scheme in NSW. Centre Director Professor Ian Cameron said catastrophic injuries like brain and spinal cord injuries are well recognised, but there is less understanding of the long-term impact following less severe injuries. “From our research, we know that most people recover well in the early months after a less severe road traffic injury, but others struggle to recover and go on to develop chronic health problems, psychological distress and impairment,” he said.
“Our longitudinal studies have shown that long-term challenges like pain and discomfort, and anxiety and depression are common two years after a non-catastrophic road traffic injury, and even in groups where there were no similar problems before the accident.” The findings show that 21 per cent of people reported clinically significant pain two years after their injury, while 25 per cent had depressive symptoms and 9 per cent had ongoing psychological distress. “Just over 80 per cent of people had returned to work on full duties, but that meant close to 20 per cent weren’t able to return to what they were doing before their crash. This represents a significant loss,” said Professor Cameron.
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While the research measured the ripple effects, importantly, it also informed legislative changes in NSW. “Our investigations showed that protracted and stressful injury compensation processes compounded the impacts of the crash,” said Professor Cameron. “We also found that the reforms to the CTP compensation scheme like early access to care, treatment and income support regardless of fault in the crash, were reducing psychological distress and pain. “Our research helped to develop best practice guidelines which included tailored early interventions for people who are more vulnerable and at greater risk of poor outcomes. “We’re pleased to see that a 20-year collaboration with the State Insurance Regulatory Authority contributed to a scheme with better health outcomes for those injured in crashes.” The commitment was recognised by the Kolling Institute’s Academic Director Professor James Elliott, who congratulated the renowned research team on 20 years of impactful work. “Their research has helped to drive positive change, improving road safety initiatives and health outcomes for those injured,” he said.
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Sensory, Neuroscience, Ageing, Pain and Psychiatry Research
MuscleMap project secures strong philanthropic support
An innovative tool which could revolutionise the detection and treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions received a boost following a $230,000 gift.
The donation followed a campaign by the University of Sydney’s Advancement team and the NORTH Foundation to support the world’s first open-source dataset of whole-body muscle composition. The Kolling Institute’s Academic Director Professor James Elliott said there is a critical need for the diagnostic tool with musculoskeletal and neurological conditions among the leading causes of illness and disability worldwide. “With these conditions affecting more than four billion people, they are expected to cost around $21 billion in healthcare expenditure by 2033 in Australia alone,” he said. “Early identification and intervention are crucial if we are to offer long-term health benefits and minimise the disease burden. “We know that these conditions often lead to a steady decline in muscle health, and this decline is evident by an increase in fat deposits in the muscles and the loss of muscle fibres. “CT and MRI scans can be used to identify these changes, but the time it currently takes is prohibitive.” The MuscleMap approach however, will automatically identify any changes, potentially revolutionising the detection of muscle health in any part of the body. It could inform treatment for everyone from elite athletes to astronauts and older people with complex conditions.
Using existing MRI and CT scans, the landmark global study has applied an artificial intelligence model to produce a dataset of muscle health of any part of the body. This will enable a patient’s muscle deterioration to be compared with a healthy person’s. Professor Elliott said this will mean a clinician will be able to upload a scan into the MuscleMap program, and within minutes, will have access to detailed information measuring muscle composition compared to a reference dataset. “For athletes and the general population, the tool will accurately inform the journey from injury to repair, recovery and return to physical activity,” he said. “For patients with osteoporosis, the program will provide a detailed analysis of overall health and muscle deterioration, which will then inform personalised strategies to develop healthier muscle mass and improve general health and wellbeing. “We are very appreciative of this generous donation to enable the development of the digital infrastructure needed for the open-source portal. “It will be a pioneering resource, accessible to clinicians and researchers globally, and supporting the long-term health of communities.”
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Associate Professor Marnee McKay and Professor James Elliott
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Sensory, Neuroscience, Ageing, Pain and Psychiatry Research In a crucial step towards a better understanding of Meniere’s disease, researchers at the Kolling Institute discovered a gene mutation which could greatly inform future treatment of the disease. Researchers identify new gene linked to Meniere’s disease
Meniere’s is a rare inner ear disease associated with hearing loss, vertigo and debilitating tinnitus. There is currently no cure with treatment largely aimed at managing symptoms. Meniere’s can be an inherited condition with approximately 10 per cent of patients having one or more relatives affected by it, but the latest research, led by world leading investigator Professor Jose Antonio Lopez-Escamez, indicates the inherited or genetic form of the disease may be more common than first realised. The team discovered a rare mutation of the GJD3 gene in both patients with and without a genetic history of the disease. It is the first time this gene has been linked to any disease. More than 400 people with Meniere’s disease were involved in the study, with 18 people or 4.4 per cent of the group found to have the genetic mutation, a statistically significant percentage. Professor Lopez-Escamez, the Professor of Ménière disease Neuroscience at the University of Sydney and the Kolling Institute, said this new understanding could lead to a greater number of patients undergoing genetic testing. “Many people will say that they don’t have the genetic form of the disease, but this research indicates there are many more people whose disease is directly linked to their genetic make-up,” he said.
“This is important as it will inform how we treat the disease going forward, particularly given the different forms of the disease and the exciting advances with gene therapy. “Groundbreaking gene therapy is already being adopted internationally to treat hearing loss, and we anticipate this approach will be developed further to treat Meniere’s disease in the years to come.” The research also identified a connexin (or connecting protein) linked to the GJD3 gene in the tectorial membrane of the organ of Corti – or the hearing organ. “This is the first time that a connexin has been found in this part of the ear, and it may support the view that connexins regulate the microenvironment in the ear and influence hearing,” he said. “We believe the mutated gene is impairing the function of the connexins within the ear and impacting hearing ability. “We are pleased to have made this exciting progress and we look forward to further investigating the role of this gene mutation in hearing function and Meniere’s disease.” The international collaboration involved researchers from Granada, Spain, Germany and Sydney.
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Professor Jose Antonio Lopez-Escamez and his research team
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Sensory, Neuroscience, Ageing, Pain and Psychiatry Research A federal government funding boost supported a much-needed program for culturally diverse communities experiencing musculoskeletal pain. New digital health program to reduce muscle, joint and bone pain across culturally diverse communities
Dr Saurab Sharma, the Chief Clinical Scientist from the Pain Management and Research Centre at Royal North Shore Hospital, received a National Health and Medical Research Council investigator grant to develop an innovative treatment plan. Investigator grants are awarded to only a small number of leading scientists in Australia each year to advance health research. As a researcher within the Kolling Institute, Dr Sharma said a specific, co-designed program is needed as culturally and linguistically diverse Australians often miss out on high quality care due to cultural, language, and health literacy barriers. “These communities are often excluded from research including clinical trials, which means evidence-based treatments are designed without their input or experiences,” he said. “Ultimately, this means Australians from diverse backgrounds receive poor care and experience poorer outcomes.” The $700,000 grant is supporting a digital, pain-management treatment program for communities from Arabic, Chinese, Indian, Nepali, and Vietnamese backgrounds with musculoskeletal pain.
“Importantly, the program is being co-designed with individuals with lived experiences of musculoskeletal pain, healthcare professionals from respective cultural backgrounds, and world-leading musculoskeletal pain experts,” he said. “Our initiative aims to empower marginalised and disadvantaged communities, build research capacity within these communities, and foster a greater understanding of pain among community members and healthcare professionals to transform pain management for these communities. “Encouragingly, our program could be adopted on a global scale as it will be tailored for Arabic, Cantonese, Hindi, Mandarin, Nepali, and Vietnamese languages, which are spoken by over 2.2 billion people globally. “We hope it will enhance health equity, reduce costs and inform national and international guidelines on musculoskeletal pain.”
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Dr Saurab Sharma
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We would like to thank all our researchers, clinicians, staff, students, governance committee members, community partners, philanthropic supporters and our joint venture partners, the University of Sydney and Northern Sydney Local Health District, for their ongoing commitment to the Kolling Institute. Our greatest strength has always been our people. Together, we have accomplished a great deal over the past five years, and together we will build on these successes to create even greater impact for the health and wellbeing of future generations.
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Connect the dots for better health
You can help researchers at the Kolling Institute fuel life-saving breakthroughs that change lives.
Donate to our official charity partner the NORTH Foundation
(02) 9926 4500 Kolling@sydney.edu.au www.kollinginstitute.org.au
Northern Sydney Local Health District
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