Research

The impact of shoulder research over the past five years (2021–2026)

Musculoskeletal conditions remain one of the leading causes of pain, disability and reduced quality of life worldwide. Shoulder disorders, in particular, represent a substantial and often underestimated component of this burden, affecting people's ability to work, participate in sport, undertake everyday activities and maintain independence.

Over the past five years, advances in shoulder research have increasingly transformed our understanding of shoulder biomechanics, disease mechanisms, surgical reconstruction and patient recovery. Research has moved beyond simply improving surgical techniques towards developing more personalised, evidence-based and patient-centred approaches to treatment.

For QUASR, the past five years demonstrate both how far shoulder research has progressed and how much opportunity remains. View our publications.

QUASR brings together clinicians, scientists, engineers, researchers and innovators to accelerate discoveries, challenge existing treatment approaches and translate scientific knowledge into practical clinical solutions.

The ultimate measure of research success is not simply a scientific publication or technological innovation, but the difference it makes to people's lives. By advancing understanding of shoulder function, improving treatment options and developing more effective and personalised interventions, QUASR seeks to contribute to a future where patients experience less pain, better function, faster recovery and an improved quality of life.

 

Core Functions

 
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Education

A world class training and teaching facility for undergraduate, postgraduate, doctorate students and Post-Doctoral fellows. QUASR will have a pivotal role in training and teaching of Orthopaedic Surgical trainees in Australia with access to state-of-the- art facilities. This will allow for innovative research and evaluation of ideas and applications under various normal and pathological shoulder conditions.

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Biomechanical Research

Investigate and promote projects to evaluate the kinematics and biomechanics of the shoulder from tissue level to structural levels. Support and link experimental methods to allow innovative solutions. QUASR will aid in assessing efficacy of interventions, functionality and adaptations of neuromusculoskeletal changes in response to shoulder stressors and conditions.

 
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Tissue & Cartilage Research

To be a global front runner in bioresearch examining the properties of muscle-tendon-bone units and the role of the glenohumeral cartilage with molecular biology encompassing muscle mapping for improved understanding of tissue interaction.

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Virtual & Augmented Reality

Collaborate with the computer science and gaming faculty to develop a Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality platform for the normal and pathological shoulder to assist in education of orthopaedic surgeons, aid in patient rehabilitation, improve technology and enhance telehealth opportunities for isolated rural and remote Australian communities.

 
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Computer Modelling & Bio-Fabrication

Construction and manipulation of virtual muscle bone units for demonstrations of situational and natural phenomena affecting the simulated shoulder. Computation using cutting-edge research and advanced 3D printing technology to study cell responses from gross to molecular levels. 

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Industry Collaboration

To work closely with industry partners for focused, pertinent, transparent and translational research. QUASR will build on medical knowledge through shoulder implant and device testing in a rigorous anatomical manner for evolution of implants and development of new innovative technologies.

 
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International Partnerships

Perform multi-centre collaborative leading research with recognised global institutes to keep QUASR at the forefront of innovative shoulder research. Organisational cross-border partnerships will allow for exchange of ideas and opportunity for students to travel abroad to gain experiences in various other high level research facilities.