Current Research Studies

To view the procedure you must follow to seek approval for your research study to be advertised on the ARA website click here.

Information regarding studies that are currently recruiting participants  can be found below.

The Arthritis Australia website also has a page where consumers can express interest in joining a research study. 

Project Title
Medication Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) -Australian Medical Practitioners Awareness, Knowledge and Attitude

Principal Investigators: 

• Dr. Ying Shi Chang, Nepean Centre for Oral Health, NBMLHD, NSW Health, University of Sydney
• Dr Syed Hussain, Nepean Centre for Oral Health, NBMLHD, NSW Health, University of Sydney
• A/Prof Emily Hibbert, Department of Endocrinology, Nepean Hospital, NBMLHD, Head of Department  of Endocrinology
• A/Prof Stephen Cox, Nepean Centre for Oral Health, NBMLHD, NSW Health, University of Sydney, Head of Department of Oral Surgery
• Dr Varun Sundar Manoharan, Department of Endocrinology, Nepean Hospital, NBMLHD
• Dr Anna Zheng, Department of Endocrinology, Nepean Hospital, NBMLHD
• Dr. Gary Low, Research Directorate, NBMLHD, NSW Health

Broad Aims of this Project
The primary aim of this research project and survey are:
1.    To assess medical practitioners’ awareness and knowledge of Medication Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws (MRONJ) 
2.    To assess medical practitioners’ attitude towards preventative measures that may aid in reduction of MRONJ. 

Reason for Doing this Research Project
Medication related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is an adverse outcome seen in patient who have used, or currently use, antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications for the management of conditions such as osteoporosis and cancer related conditions. Medical practitioners play a critical role in both the prescription of medications associated with an increased risk of MRONJ and in its prevention. Assessing medical practitioner awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward MRONJ can help identify existing gaps and inform the development of targeted educational initiatives and updated clinical guidelines, ultimately aiming to reduce the incidence of this condition and improve patient outcomes.

We are conducting a survey about Australian Medical Practitioners awareness, knowledge and attitude towards Medication related osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ). The survey consists of 19 questions and should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. The survey will be administered via REDCap, which is a secure web-based application for data collection and management in research studies. The survey is  completely anonymous and only research team members will have access to the surveys and results.

Recruitment of Participants and Target Audience
This survey is open to all practicing medical practitioners in Australia who have current registration with AHPRA.
The survey is not intended for medical students or medical practitioners who are retired or on extended leave from active practice.

Ethics Approval Details
This project has been approved by the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Human Low & Negligible Risk Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC).  If you have any concerns about the conduct of the project, or your rights as a project participant, you may contact: 
The Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District HREC Ethics Officer (Phone: 4734 1998 or Email: NBMLHD-Ethics@health.nsw.gov.au).
The survey has ethics approval by Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District HREC 2025/ETH01485.  

Time Period of the Research Project
Collection of Data will start September 2025 and end December 31, 2025.

Summary
“You are invited to participate in a survey about Australian Medical Practitioners awareness, knowledge and attitude towards Medication related osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ).

Medication related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is an adverse outcome seen in patient who have used, or currently use, antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications for the management of conditions such as osteoporosis and cancer related conditions. Medical practitioners play a critical role in both the prescription of medications associated with an increased risk of MRONJ and in its prevention. Assessing medical practitioner awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward MRONJ can help identify existing gaps and inform the development of targeted educational initiatives and updated clinical guidelines, ultimately aiming to reduce the incidence of this condition and improve patient outcomes.

The survey consists of 19 questions and should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. This survey is open to all practicing medical practitioners in Australia who have current registration with AHPRA.

To continue please click the link to access the survey:
Survey Link: https://redcap.link/fkpvdceh

Thank you for completing this survey. If you have any feedback or wish to discuss the project in more detail, please contact Dr Syed Hussain, Oral Surgery Registrar via email syed.hussain1@health.nsw.gov.au.

For Further Information
If you have any feedback or wish to discuss the project in more detail, please contact:
Dr Syed Hussain, Oral Surgery Registrar 
E: syed.hussain1@health.nsw.gov.au
M: 0477 855 535 

Research Study Closes: 31 December 2025
Date Posted: 10 October 2025

Project Title

Shoulder Osteoarthritis Research (SOAR) Priorities

Principal Investigators

• Lead Investigator: Dr. Jonathan Quicke

• Associated Investigators: Prof. Nadine Foster, Prof. David Hunter, Prof. Ilana Ackerman, Prof. Richard Page, Prof. Rachelle Buchbinder, Dr. Hugh Seward, Dr. Ben Darlow, Prof. Kim Bennell, Dr. Brooke Conley, Dr. Sam Bunzli, Jessica Neri, Dr. Lisa Anemaat, Dr. Julie Ayre, Kore Tombs, John Stevens, Dr. Chris Beanland, Shirani Wright, Susan (Sue) Williamson, Aunty Maureen Woodward, Dianne Buranyi-Trevarton.

Broad Aims of this Project

The SOAR study aims to identify and prioritise the ‘Top 10’ most important unanswered research questions about shoulder osteoarthritis (OA). This ensures that the needs of people with shoulder OA, their carers, and clinicians guide future research.

Reason for Doing this Research Project

Shoulder OA is disabling and increasingly prevalent, with shoulder joint replacements in Australia more than doubling between 2009 and 2019. Despite this, there is limited research on shoulder OA with clinical guidelines drawing on evidence from hip and knee OA. To improve care and outcomes, there is a pressing need for research specifically targeting this condition. This project aims to address this gap through determining research priorities of groups shoulder OA impacts the most.

We will try to:

• Generate a ‘Top 10’ list of research priorities for shoulder OA, agreed through consensus between patients, carers, and clinicians.

• Disseminate findings to funders, policymakers, clinicians, and researchers to shape future OA research agenda.

Recruitment of Participants and Target Audience

Inclusion criteria

• People who have shoulder OA, care for those with it, or treat it clinically. Includes all rheumatologists, trainees, and non-medical healthcare workers (e.g., nurses, OTs etc.)

• Live in Australia or New Zealand

• Over 18 years old.

Exclusion criteria

• Live outside Australia or New Zealand

Ethics Approval Details

Ethics approved through the Low and Negligible Risk Research Ethics Committee at The University of Queensland (Project2025/HE001218: Approved 30.6.2025).

Time Period of the Research Project 

The project commenced in 2025, with results expected by mid-late 2026. The project will conclude with the release of the ‘Top 10’ priorities and related dissemination activities in mid-late 2026.

Summary

Do you treat patients with shoulder osteoarthritis? Help shape future research by taking our short survey.

Despite shoulder OA causing considerable pain, disability, and reduced quality of life, there remains little research on the condition, with clinical guidelines drawing upon evidence from knee and hip OA. To improve patient outcomes, research specifically targeting the condition is urgently needed.

Answer our survey to help us change this. We want to hear what you think is important to research about shoulder osteoarthritis. Share your thoughts in a short 5–10 minute survey where you’ll be asked to suggest 1–5 questions you think are important to answer, and tell us a little about yourself (e.g., your age, gender).

You can take part if you:

• have shoulder osteoarthritis, or care for someone with it, or provide healthcare for people with it

• and are over 18 years old

• and live in Australia or New Zealand

Click on the link to do the survey: www.tinyurl.com/soarpsp

If you have any questions, please email soar@uq.edu.au

For Further Information

Dr Jonathan Quicke, ,
E: j.quicke@uq.edu.au
M:  0488 019 087

Survey 1 of the Research Study Closes: 9 October 2025
Date Posted: 26 September 2025

Project Title

The RA-HEAL trial: Resilience And Healthy Lifestyle for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Principal Investigators

• Dr Katherine Poulsen
• Professor Ranjeny Thomas
• Dr Amee Sonigra
• Professor Jeff Coombes
• Dr Hannah Mayr
• Professor Coral Gartner
• Dr Nicola Burton
• Ms Michelle Roch
• Mr Paul Christensen

Broad Aims of this Project

This trial will evaluate the impact, fidelity, feasibility, acceptability, and safety of a person-centered multicomponent wellbeing and lifestyle program for adults with rheumatoid arthritis. It is hypothesised that the intervention will:

• have a positive impact on wellbeing, physical activity and function, diet, and (where indicated) smoking cessation
• be able to be delivered as intended
• be feasible, acceptable and safe for participants

Reason For Doing This Research Project

This experimental trial will aim to include approximately 150 participants recruited from arthritis clinics at the PA Hospital, referral from rheumatology private practice clinics as well as patients who self-refer directly to the study team. Participants will be randomized to either an intervention group or standard of care group. The intervention group will receive a structured, multi-disciplinary support program, delivered over 24 weeks by experts in Clinical/Health Psychology, Exercise Physiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Tobacco Treatment Specialisation. Individual assessments will be done at the Princess Alexandra Hospital at Baseline and 6, 12,18 and 24-month post-intervention. Assessment will include:

• wellbeing and behavioural questionnaires
• physical function assessments
• diet interviews and physical activity monitoring

Recruitment of Participants and Selection Criteria

Direct to patient: We are seeking to advertise the study so that patients themselves might be able to contact the team and self-refer onto the trial.

Rheumatologists: We would like rheumatologists within the South East corner of QLD to be aware that we are running the study, and for them to be able to suggest to their newly diagnosed RA patients that this study might be of benefit to them,

Eligibility

We are looking for people who are:

• Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis within the last 18 months
• Motivated to make positive lifestyle changes (including diet and exercise)
• Able to attend to assessments at the Princess Alexandra Hospital
• Participant benefits

Please note that this this study is only suitable for participants in South East Queensland. Participants will continue to be medically managed for their RA by their own rheumatologist.

What's In It For You?

• Access to expert guidance in exercise, diet and mental health strategies
• The opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research
• Improved tools to help manage your RA

Register Your Interest

To find out more send the team an email at fi.thomasresearch@uq.edu.au

or

To leave your details and answer some basic questions about your suitability for the study, click this link https://uniofqueensland.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_et8c1m9EIWLejNs

Ethics Approval Details

Ethics approval has been granted by the Metro South HREC (Princess Alexandra Hospital) as well as being ratified by both the University of Queensland and Griffith University. This study has been approved by The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee [Approval No.2025/HE000486].

Time Period of the Research Project

Recruitment into the trial has already commenced. The full cohort of participants is hoped to be enrolled within a 12 month period between June 2025 and May 2026. The follow-up period is 2 years, so we will look to have the last patient last visit completed in 2028.

For Further Information Contact

Paul Christensen RN
Research Nurse – The Frazer Institute, University of Queensland
E: Paul.christensen@uq.edu.au
Phone: 07 3443 6992 or 0417 108 585

Research Study Closes: 31 May 2026
Date Posted on ARA website: 18 September 2025

Project Title
Current practice of corticosteroid injection for common foot and ankle conditions in Australia

Principal Investigators

• Glen Whittaker, (Podiatrist and ARA health professional member)
• Naomi Blood (Podiatrist)
• Matthew Cotchett (Podiatrist)
• Christopher Couesnon (Honours Student)

Broad Aims of this Project

• To evaluate the corticosteroid used for common foot and ankle conditions in Australia
• To evaluate the anaesthetics used with corticosteroid for common foot and ankle conditions in Australia
• To evaluate the techniques used when administering an injection for common foot and ankle conditions in Australia

Reason for Doing this Research Project
Researchers at La Trobe University are completing a study about the current use of corticosteroid injection for foot and ankle conditions. This research is being done to learn more about the corticosteroid, local anaesthetics, and injection techniques that are being used in Australia for common foot and ankle conditions. This research is being completed as part of an Honours project.

There are a range of corticosteroids, anaesthetics, and injection techniques used to administer corticosteroid injection, with selection of each variable currently based on opinion. Past research has found that selection of corticosteroid and injection techniques varies across disciplines and geographical regions, however there is no research that has evaluated corticosteroid injection use for foot and ankle conditions by Australian health professionals. Understanding how Australian health professionals use corticosteroid injection to manage common foot and ankle conditions can inform future randomised trials comparing the effectiveness of corticosteroids and injection techniques.

We hope to learn about the corticosteroid, local anaesthetics, and injection techniques that are being used in Australia for common foot and ankle conditions. Understanding this can inform future randomised trials comparing the effectiveness of corticosteroids and injection techniques.

Recruitment of Participants and Selection Criteria
Participants will be health professionals who currently practice in Australia and administer corticosteroid injection to manage foot and ankle conditions. The health professionals that will be targeted for this study include orthopaedic surgeons, radiologists, rheumatologists, podiatrists, and podiatric surgeons.

Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

1. A health professional registered with AHPRA
2. Reside in Australia 
3. Use a primary language that is the same as the researchers
4. Have administered at least 1 corticosteroid injection for a foot or ankle condition in the past 6 months

Ethics Approval Details
This research has been reviewed and approved by The La Trobe University Human Research Ethics Committee. If you have any complaints or concerns about the research study please email humanethics@latrobe.edu.au or phone +61 3 9479 1443 quoting the following number HEC24151

Link To Take Part In The Study 
https://redcap.latrobe.edu.au/redcap/surveys/?s=8J4T7YCLCAJKXJCD

Time Period of the Research Project 
Anticipated finish date February 2026

For Further Information
Contact Glen Whittaker: g.whittaker@latrobe.edu.au / 0414777165

Research Study Closes: 28 February 2026
Date Posted: 25 February 2025

Project Title
A multicentre, open-label randomised controlled trial of DMARD dose maintenance (USUAL CARE) vs DMARD discontinuation after reduction (TAPER) in adult patients with rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis (RA and PsA) on stable b/tsDMARD therapy +/- csDMARD/s, who are in sustained low disease activity at baseline for cost-utility comparison and multiomic mechanistic analyses to predict success of down-titration strategies

Principal Investigators

• Prof. Lyn March (Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW)
• Prof. Marissa Lassere (St George Hospital, NSW)
• Prof. Peter Youssef (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW)
• Prof. Catherine Hill (The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, SA)
• Prof. Susanna Proudman (Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA)
• A/Prof. Mihir Wechalekar (Flinders Medical Centre, SA)
• Prof. Rachelle Buchbinder (Malvern Clinic, VIC)
• Dr. David Liew (Austin Health, VIC)
• A/Prof. Helen Keen (Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA)
• Dr. James Gray (Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD)
• Dr. Matthew Terrill (Sunshine Coast University Hospital, QLD)

Broad Aims of this Project

• To evaluate efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness of down-titration strategies of b/tsDMARD therapies in adults with well-controlled RA and PsA.
• To identify clinical and biomarker predictors of success or failure of down-titration strategies.
• To generate algorithms for predicting who can safely and successfully reduce biologic therapy.

Reasons for Doing this Research Project
Long-term use of the immunomodulating DMARD therapies may lead to overtreatment, with elevated risks of adverse events and unnecessary costs, however there is currently no clear guidance for when, how to, and who can withdraw therapies in RA or PsA. International consensus on the safest reduction protocols and predictors of success are severely lacking and there are no data in the Australian context where criteria for accessing biologics differs in important ways from the rest of the world. Trials to-date have primarily been conducted with the anti-TNF bDMARD agents, they have not always had a usual-care comparator arm and many have been conducted in the setting of relatively early disease and are not generalisable to all. This trial will substantially address these uncertainties and will enhance the implementation of down-titration strategies if proven to be safe and cost-effective in the Australian setting.

Recruitment of Participants and Selection Criteria 
Participants will be approximately 270 adults with well-controlled RA or PsA across 11 sites.
Major selection criteria include that subjects:

• first started any b/tsDMARD with or without csDMARD ≥18 months ago;
• are in remission or low disease activity and have been stable on DMARD for ≥6 months, and
• if participants are on oral corticosteroids, the dose must be stable and ≤5mg prednisone daily equivalent;
• have not had any parenteral or intra-articular corticosteroid injections in the last 6 months;
• are not pregnant or have had an investigational new drug within the last 12 weeks.

Ethics Approval Details
Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) Approval Number: 2021/ETH11902
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number: ACTRN12621001695897

Time Period of the Research Project
Anticipated end date by Jun 2027

For Further Information
Contact 02 9463 1758 or email prospect.trial@sydney.edu.au
Click here for Health Professionals Brochure

Research Study Closes: 30 June 2027
Date Posted:  August 2024

Project Title

Multimodal MRI of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a cross-sectional neuroimaging study towards its neuropathophysiology and diagnosis

Principal Investigators

• Dr Zack Shan PhD, Thompson Institute, University of Sunshine Coast
• Dr R Kwiatek FRACP, Private Rheumatology Practice, North Adelaide
• Dr P Del Fante FRACGP, Private General Practice, Adelaide
• Assist/Prof C Chang PhD, Vanderbilt University, USA
• Prof V Calhoun PhD, The George State University, USA
• Prof J Lagopolous PhD, Thompson Institute, University of Sunshine Coast
• Prof D Hermens PhD, Thompson Institute, University of Sunshine Coast

Broad Aims of this Project

To investigate hypotheses of 

• (i) Slowed hemodynamic response function (HRF) and elevated glutamate levels during brain function underpin the underlying neurological disease process in ME/CFS and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS); and 
• (ii) A multimodal MRI neuromarker, from the integration of structural, neurochemical, functional MRI measures, can be utilised to for objective diagnose of ME/CFS and FMS.

Reason for Doing this Research Project 

• Incompletely understood ME/CFS and FMS (still regarded as a rheumatological disorder as its cardinal feature is widespread musculoskeletal pain) are closely related common functional somatic disorders causing major morbidity and economic loss within the Australian population, easily competing with inflammatory RMD as having unmet clinical needs. ME/CFS and FMS can be regarded as existing on a clinical phenotypic spectrum with most of those afflicted meeting diagnostic criteria for both.

Recruitment of Participants and Target Audience

• Community individuals with FMS. Inclusion and exclusion criteria are strict and are summarised here.

Ethics Approval Details

• USC Ethics Approval Number A191288
• Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number: ACTRN12622001095752

Time Period of the Research Project

• Recruitment to finish 31 December 2025.

For Further Information

• Contact 07 5456 5445 or email cfs@usc.edu.au
• Click here for Fibromyalgia Research Study information.

Research Study Closes: 31 December 2025
Date Posted: August 2022