SpineLabs

SpineLabs

About SpineLabs

SpineLabs are a global leader in spine and spinal surgery research based at Adelaide University. 

Investigating the core burden of spine-related deformity, paralysis and pain, our work brings together discovery science, biomechanics, implant development, spinal cord research, and data registries into one translational program.

Led by Prof Ashish Diwan, our multidisciplinary group includes medical doctors, biologists and academic engineers, bolstered through our strong ties to industry, research and philanthropic partners. 

We work across the research continuum, from lab bench through to participant outcomes, for the better understanding, diagnosis and treatment of back pain. 

Key capabilities

Delivering translational research across the spine care continuum
Collaborating to build connectivity between research, industry, clinics and participant partners
Using data analytics and data registries to ensure research-grade insight and greater continuity between our initiatives

Explore SpineLabs

We work across the research continuum to deliver better understanding, diagnosis and treatment of back pain. Our focus areas are: 

Full continuum research from disc biology to surgical performance

Connecting key research areas ranging from laboratory discovery, engineering, surgical innovation, and patient outcomes so each research stream can strengthen the next.

Disc degeneration and regeneration

Delivering cell, matrix, and tissue repair programs focused on the causes of pain and loss of motion, while building a pathway from discovery science into translational therapies.

Spinal cord research

Investigating mechanisms, models, and clinical partnerships aimed at protecting neural function and improving recovery after spinal cord injury.

Spinal biomechanics

Testing, modelling, and motion analysis that connect spinal anatomy and degeneration, implants, and support surgical decision-making.

New implant development

Innovating design-led implant research that evaluates materials, fixation, motion preservation, and surgical performance in collaboration with clinical and industry partners.

Translational spinal surgery

A research program built around the operating theatre, rehabilitation, laboratory discovery, and patient-reported outcomes.

SpineLabs works with two core registries: 

  • MYelopathy NAtural History (MYNAH) Registry
    Our core research partner, the MYelopathy NAtural History Registry (MYNAH) provides patient-centred evidence for spine care, outcomes, and longitudinal research.

  • Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) Spinal Registry
    Our key clinical partner, the Royal Adelaide Hospital Clinical registry capability linked with Royal Adelaide Hospital spinal surgery practice.

We operate at the intersection of these two registries as a shared evidence engine documenting clinical outcomes, device evaluation and long-term surgical research. The longitudinal evidence from both registries ensure care is measurable, comparable and improvable. 

Using this data, we work within the analytics pipeline to ensure research-grade insights covering the full span of data governance, benchmarking, follow-up and reporting. 

By recording and registering outcome evidence using best data practice, we lead the way in producing and disseminating evidence-based, contemporary spine care. 

Working with key clinical connections, research partners, industry support, philanthropic support, and opportunities for graduate research students, our productive relationships with a diversity of partners help move our spine research into real-world care outcomes. 

Clinical translation

Royal Adelaide Hospital

Our clinical anchor with the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) embeds hospital collaboration into our work. By bringing surgical questions, registry data, and patient outcomes into the research cycle, we deliver fit-for-purpose solutions that meet patient needs. 

Research partners

South Australian Spinal Cord Injury Service (SASCIS)

Working in research collaboration and partnership with SASCIS, our spinal cord research collaboration links our laboratory discovery to rehabilitation expertise and injury recovery priorities across other collaborations, strengthening our overall impact and progressing the field. 

Industry support

Evolution Surgical

Evolution Surgical is an Australian MedTech company advancing the field of spine surgery through the design, manufacturing and distribution of medical technologies across the country. Our collaboration accelerates implant development, testing and translation toward practical surgical tools and other key medical devices making spine care safer, faster and more reliable. 

Graduate research opportunities

Are you looking for an opportunity to take the next step in your research career? SpineLabs welcomes enquiries from researchers early in their career who are interested in building their expertise in spine care in a stimulating and supportive environment. 

If you’re interested in joining our research initiatives or want to develop your own project with one of our staff members, please contact us. 

Donate to Orthopaedic Spine Research

Support research that improves spinal surgery, recovery and lives.

Generous funding partners and donors help SpineLabs transform our research discoveries into better implants, better registry evidence, and better care for people living with spine disease and spinal cord injury. 

Your donation to the Orthopaedic Spine Research Fund will help to sustain the chair, enhance research capacity and build future clinical impact to drive better outcomes for patients in Australia and globally.

Donate now

Contact us

SpineLabs

Location

Location
Adelaide University
Level 7, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences building
Corner of North Terrace & George Street
Adelaide, SA 5000

Email

Email: spinelabs@adelaide.edu.au