Osteopathy Australia Research Foundation

Contribute to the future of osteopathy

A stronger profession is built on strong evidence. The Osteopathy Australia Research Foundation (OARF) exists to ensure osteopathy continues to grow as a respected, evidence informed profession that delivers meaningful outcomes for patients and the health system.
By supporting osteopathic research today, you are investing in better care tomorrow.

Why donations are essential
For many years, Osteopathy Australia has led the way in funding research. Today, member and philanthropic support is essential to building a stronger, more connected research culture one that directly benefits your practice, your patients, and the profession as a whole.
With many osteopaths working in busy private practice, time and resources for research are limited. Your donation helps change that by enabling more high-quality projects, supporting emerging researchers at critical stages, and building long-term research capability and leadership within the profession.
Importantly, it strengthens osteopathy’s evidence base, credibility, and visibility in mainstream healthcare supporting advocacy that influences policy, regulation, and public trust.
By donating, you’re investing in a profession that is research-informed, respected, and better represented in healthcare decision-making.

Why research matters for osteopathy

Research underpins everything that shapes the future of osteopathy from how we practice, to how we are recognised within the healthcare system.

• Strengthen osteopathy’s role in primary healthcare, positioning osteopaths as trusted, evidence -based practitioners.
• Support lobbying and advocacy efforts, providing the evidence needed to influence government, insurers, regulators and policymakers.
• Inform the development of clinical guidelines, ensuring practitioners have the best, research-backed tools for patient care.
• Guiding meaningful CPD opportunities, ensuring professional development reflects the best available evidence. 
• Increase public confidence and awareness, demonstrating the value and impact of osteopathic care.

How to donate

We’re excited to share more information soon on how you can contribute to this important work. Your support will directly fund the research that strengthens the future of osteopathy.

The impact of your support

Donations to the Osteopathy Australia Research Foundation support high-impact research through Spark Grants and build early career capability through Seeding Grants. They help develop the next generation of osteopathic researchers through mentorship and training, while contributing to publications, conference presentations, and practice-based research including ORION. This work strengthens the evidence base across paediatrics, pain management, chronic disease, and patient-reported outcomes.