History

The Biomechanics & Spine Research Group (BSRG) began in 2002 as the Paediatric Spine Research Group (PSRG).  The collaborative research group was founded by Adjunct Professor Geoff Askin and Professor Mark Pearcy who had the vision to bring together engineers and orthopaedic surgeons to study the biomechanics and surgical correction of paediatric spinal deformity. Under the fifteen year leadership of Associate Professor Clayton Adam, the group performed high quality research into the prevention and management of spinal disorders, with an emphasis on directly impacting the clinical management of spinal deformities such as scoliosis. Our close collaboration with the Spinal Orthopaedic Surgeons at the Queensland Children’s Hospital (and formerly at the Mater Children’s Hospital, Brisbane) allows us to apply our collective skills to real world scenarios and ensured our research activity has always been driven by clinical needs.

In 2017, under the leadership of Professor Peter Pivonka, our name changed to the BSRG to encompass the range of biomechanics, bone and spinal research to be conducted by the staff and students in the group.

2021 saw our own Associate Professor Paige Little step into the role of Academic Research Director.  Under her leadership we have developed new relationships and broadened our activities to embrace research with adults cohorts as well as with Industry. We look forward to this next era of research achievements guided by our new research director, A/Prof Little.

First day of PSRG at Mater Children’s Hospital office in December 2002 for Professor Mark Pearcy, Maree Izatt and Associate Professor Clayton Adam
QUT Adjunct Professor Geoff Askin,(left) and Associate Professor Clayton Adam (right) with scoliosis sufferer Shuang (centre) at the Media Launch of the Paediatric Spine Research Group in March 2003
Maree Izatt and Associate Professor Clayton Adam speaking on the Toowoomba Train Platform during the Queensland tour of the QUT Smart Train in 2008.
The PSRG Team at the Adelaide Spine Symposium in 2015 – Dr Caroline Grant, A/Prof Clayton Adam, Prof Mark Pearcy, Maree Izatt and A/Prof Paige Little.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Biomechanics and Spine Research Group attending the International Society of Biomechanics Meeting in Brisbane in 2017: A/Prof Paige Little, Prof Peter Pivonka, Maree Izatt, Dr Caroline Grant, Emeritus Professor Mark Pearcy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 senior spine researchers
Emeritus Professor Mark Pearcy, Maree Izatt and Assoc. Professor Paige Little finalising the BSRG team plan for 2023!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 senior spine researchers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The BSRG Leadership team