Research planning day

Osteopathy Australia: Why research matters: creating a roadmap for osteopathy’s future

Date: 16 February 2026

Summary of the day

We were pleased to welcome 26 attendees to our inaugural research planning day, “Why Research Matters: Creating a Roadmap for Osteopathy’s Future.”

The event brought together university researchers and teaching academics from RMIT University, Southern Cross University, Victoria University, and Macquarie University, alongside clinicians and higher degree research students, a cross‑section of our profession.

What stood out wasn’t just the expertise in the room, but the collective intent.

Osteopathy has long faced structural barriers to research engagement heavy clinical workloads, limited pathways, fragmented collaboration, and a developing research culture. Yet the energy in the room made one thing clear: the willingness to build a robust research culture and attract more HDR students to the profession.

Across the day, five clear themes emerged:
Connect. Community. Collaborate. Culture. Celebrate. These aren’t just ideas; they are strategic pillars.

• Connect clinicians, academics and students through clearer pathways.
• Build a community so research is not an isolated pursuit.
• Collaborate across disciplines and institutions to increase visibility and impact.
• Strengthen our research culture through mentorship and capacity building.
• Celebrate success to showcase our achievements and inspire greater participation.

It felt like bringing the family together, thoughtful debate, shared ambition, and space for every voice to be heard. The conversations were practical, solutions-focused and forward-looking.

The key takeaway?
If we want a resilient, evidence-informed future for osteopathy, we must intentionally build a strong research culture.

Next steps are already underway. We will develop a clear, tangible roadmap to guide our funding priorities, mentorship pathways, and engagement strategies.

There is work ahead, but now there is alignment.

If you are interested in contributing to osteopathy research, collaboration opportunities, or mentorship pathways, please contact our Research & Grants Project Officer.

The program

9:30am Acknowledgment of Country and welcome

9:35am Why research leadership is vital to Osteopathy Australia
Antony Nicholas, CEO, Osteopathy Australia

Why research engagement matters in osteopathy

Vision: Where do we want to be? A thriving research culture in osteopathy.
Ambition: Aiming high to achieve success by setting bold but realistic goals.
Outcome: Development of a road map – how do we get there?

Heath Williams, Director/ osteopath, Chair, Osteopathy Australia Research Committee

9:50 - 10:45am Session 1: Lightning talks (5 mins each)

This session aims to demystify research engagement and highlight practical pathways for building a strong, sustainable research culture within osteopathy. By sharing different perspectives - the benefits of participation in networks and alliances, how our funding supports early-career researchers, and a case study on an Osteopathy Australia Research Fund (OARF) funded project. The session will explore how research participation benefits individuals, strengthens the profession, and informs how Osteopathy A cross Australia can better support research involvement across career stages.

Building and sustaining research infrastructure and leadership capacity for osteopathy
An overview of the benefits and challenges of participation in networks and alliances e.g. Strengthening Osteopathic Leadership and Research (SOLAR), Australia Research Consortium in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ACCRIM), Osteopathy Research and Innovation Network (ORION), including how these collaborations support capacity building, visibility, and impact.

Professor, Public Health, Amie Steel, Southern Cross University, Osteopathy Australia Research Committee member

Allied health in falls prevention for community-dwelling older adults: A qualitative study of allied health professional and consumer perspectives  
Sharing their journey into research, how they became involved in an Osteopathy Australia-funded project, and the professional and career benefits of participation.

Amy Lawton, College of Sport, Health and Engineering, Victoria University.

From idea to impact: Reflections on an Osteopathy Australia Research Fund supported grant.
A researcher's case study outlining an Osteopathy Australia Research Fund (OARF) funded project.
The value of OARF funding in enabling the work, reflections on the grant process, and ideas for improving accessibility and engagement with OA grant schemes.

Dr Michael Fleischmann, College of Sport, Health and Engineering, Victoria University

Lessons from my teenage self
A cross-disciplinary reflection on how exercise and physiology have evolved into a credible, evidence-driven profession, drawing lessons for osteopathy on the importance of rigorous research, measurable outcomes, and integration of scientific principles to strengthen the profession's future role in healthcare.

Professor Lainie Cameron, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University

Bridging research and practice: Using patient-reported data to strengthen osteopathic care, research and advocacy
Patient reported measures reveal what matters most to patients. This session explores how patient reported outcome and experience measures (PROMS and PREMS) help identify patients at risk of disengagement and drop out, support holistic patient-centered care, and generate real-world evidence of osteopathic treatment on patient function, quality of life, and recovery informing clinical practice, research, and profession wide advocacy. 

Dr Ravini Savindya, Founder, Quantcare

Panel discussion
Moderator: Professor Kathy Refshauge, FAHMS, FACP, Co-Director, Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Osteopathy Australia Research Committee member

10:45 am -11:00 am morning tea

11:00 - 12:00noon Session 2: Where do we want to be? 

The goal of this session is to explore the future direction of osteopathic research and identify strategies to strengthen engagement within the profession. We aim to uncover key barriers that limit osteopath participation in collaborative research and highlight enablers that can help achieve our shared objectives. This discussion will inform Osteopathy Australia’s research priorities, grant programs, and advocacy efforts, ensuring they are impactful, relevant and aligned with broader health priorities.

12:00 - 1:00pm Session 3: Research pathways 

We will begin with a brief introduction to the Research Pathways Mentorship Program, followed by a presentation sharing the mentor’s perspective and experiences. Next, we will hear insights from a mentee’s perspective. After these presentations, participants will break into groups for an interactive discussion on future directions and strategies to enhance engagement among mentors and mentees. 
Dr Nicholas Tripodi, Mentor & Senior lecturer Victoria University, Mentor & Osteopathy Australia Board member and Research Committee member 
Chelsey Kedmenec, Mentee & Senior Osteopath, Ascot Vale Osteopathy
Interactive discussion: break into smaller groups (30mins)

1:00pm - 2:00pm lunch and networking