Notre Dame launches Centre for Injury Prevention and Pain

Based within Notre Dame's Institute for Health Research (IHR) in Fremantle, the Centre for Injury Prevention and Pain (CIPP) will bring together leading researchers in physiotherapy, biomechanics, sports medicine, pain science and public health to address conditions that affect millions of Australians across the lifespan.

Musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain and arthritis, are among the leading causes of disability in Australia and are ranked as the third highest burden of disease in Western Australia, behind only mental health disorders and cancer.

The Centre's research will focus on injury prevention, pain management, physical performance and population health, with the goal of translating research findings into improved healthcare outcomes, public policy and industry practice.

CIPP Director, Associate Professor Myles Murphy, said the Centre would position Notre Dame at the forefront of injury prevention and pain research nationally and internationally.

“Musculoskeletal pain and injury affect Australians from all walks of life, from elite athletes and emergency service personnel to older Australians living with chronic conditions,” Associate Professor Murphy said.

“Through CIPP, we have an opportunity to develop evidence-based solutions that improve quality of life, prevent injury before it occurs and help people remain active and engaged throughout their lives.

“Our mission is to improve lives through injury prevention and pain research.”

The Centre launches with a strong foundation of research excellence and external funding, with researchers already securing more than $2.4 million in competitive grant funding.

This includes major support from the National Health and Medical Research Council, WA Department of Health, Raine Medical Research Foundation and Orthopaedic Research Foundation of WA, as well as a range of industry partners.

The Centre has also established collaborations with organisations such as the WA Police Force, National Basketball League, Women's National Basketball League and West Australian Ballet. These collaborations are enabling researchers to address real-world health challenges across sport, healthcare, emergency services, defence and community settings.

IHR Director Professor Osvaldo Almeida said the Centre reflected Notre Dame's commitment to research that delivers meaningful benefits to individuals and communities.

“Notre Dame has a long-standing commitment to advancing knowledge in ways that improve the lives of others,” Professor Almeida said.

“The Centre brings together outstanding researchers, strong industry partnerships and a shared commitment to addressing some of the most significant health challenges facing our communities.

“It will strengthen Notre Dame's position as a leader in health research while contributing to better outcomes for Australians and communities around the world.”

CIPP’s multidisciplinary team includes researchers and clinicians with expertise spanning injury prevention, physiotherapy, biomechanics, sports science, pain management and epidemiology.

The Centre also brings together a growing cohort of higher degree research students working on projects ranging from injury prevention in police recruits and elite athletes to improving outcomes for people undergoing rehabilitation following injury.

Through national and international collaborations with organisations including La Trobe University's Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, the University of Iowa, Edith Cowan University and Aspetar Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Hospital in Qatar, the Centre aims to build Notre Dame's global research profile and deliver research with real-world impact.

Over the next five years, the Centre plans to expand its research team, increase external funding and establish Notre Dame as a recognised leader in injury prevention and musculoskeletal health research.

An event to celebrate the official launch of the Centre will be held on 23 November at the University’s Fremantle Campus.