I currently hold the position of Chair of Spinal Surgery at Royal Adelaide Hospital, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Health, Adelaide University and Founder Director of SpineLabs, Adelaide Medical School.
 
For more than two decades, I have pursued a single overarching question: can lumbar disc degeneration be understood, diagnosed and treated in a manner that restores biological function and avoids fusion surgery? This work has generated fundamental discoveries in disc biology, regenerative therapeutics, imaging biomarkers, implantable technologies and clinical translation, resulting in international recognition, commercialisation outcomes, and leadership of the global spine research community.
 
My academic career started at Cornell University and then at UNSW where it has been defined by a commitment to translating scientific discovery into meaningful patient outcomes. Through a sustained program of research spanning molecular biology, biomechanics, advanced imaging, regenerative medicine and surgical innovation, I have sought to address one of the greatest unmet needs in musculoskeletal health: the diagnosis and treatment of chronic low back pain arising from intervertebral disc degeneration.
 
This work has resulted in more than two decades of continuous scholarly contribution, numerous highly cited publications, over twenty patents, and the development of multiple technologies progressing from concept through to clinical application. Notably, my research into Growth Differentiation Factor-6 (GDF6) has established a biological foundation for regenerative approaches to disc repair and has advanced towards clinical translation. More recently, our development of Decay Variance (DeVa), a novel MRI-based diagnostic platform, seeks to provide objective measures of disc health and pain generation, addressing a longstanding challenge in spine care.
 
A defining characteristic of my academic career has been the integration of discovery science with commercialisation and implementation. I have led multidisciplinary teams of clinicians, engineers, scientists and industry partners to translate innovations into therapeutic, diagnostic and implantable technologies. Collectively, these activities have attracted more than $20 million in research and development funding and have contributed to the establishment of new ventures and intellectual property portfolios focused on improving patient outcomes.
 
Beyond research, I have sought to contribute to the advancement of the spine discipline nationally and internationally. I currently serve as Academic Editor of JOR Spine, widely regarded as the leading scientific journal dedicated to spine research. I am also serving on the Presidential Line of the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine (ISSLS) as Second Vice President. ISSLS is the premier international scientific society dedicated to lumbar spine research and brings together leading clinicians, scientists, engineers and industry innovators from around the world. My election to the Presidential Line reflects peer recognition of my contributions to the field and provides an opportunity to help shape the future direction of global spine research and education.
 
Within Australia, I established the Sydney Spinal Symposium, now entering its eighth year. The symposium has evolved into an important national forum that brings together surgeons, researchers, engineers, trainees and industry partners to exchange ideas, foster collaboration and accelerate translation of research into practice. I am particularly proud of the role this meeting has played in supporting emerging investigators and building research capacity across the spine community.
 
Equally important has been the development and mentorship of the next generation of clinician-scientists and researchers. Throughout my career I have supervised numerous doctoral candidates, fellows and early-career academics, many of whom have gone on to establish successful independent careers including becoming vice chair and service heads in the University of California system and Gothenburg University (Sweden). I have also contributed to the creation of research infrastructure, including registries and collaborative networks that support both clinical investigation and translational research.
 
I have built a rare end-to-end translational program spanning discovery science, animal models, first-in-human studies, regulatory navigation, commercialisation, and clinical implementation. Very few surgeon-scientists internationally can credibly demonstrate that entire pathway, and it aligns exceptionally well with Adelaide University’s emphasis on real world research impact and translation.
 
I am anxious and excited to further strengthen AU’s position as a global leader in musculoskeletal research, innovation and education while continuing to build programs that deliver scientific, clinical and societal benefit for person’s impacted by spinal disorders.