History

The Biomechanics & Spine Research Group (BSRG) began in 2002 as the Paediatric Spine Research Group (PSRG).  The collaborative research group was founded by Dr Geoffrey 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 Qld Children’s Hospital (and formerly at the Mater Children’s Hospital, Brisbane) allowed us to apply our collective skills to real world scenarios and ensured our research activity was 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. 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 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: Dr Paige Little, Prof Peter Pivonka, Maree Izatt, Dr Caroline Grant, Emeritus Professor Mark Pearcy.