Moving Forward Through Research: Inside the Work of JVORI
At Joint Vision, our Moving Forward campaign celebrates the people, stories and progress that help keep the Illawarra strong.
Behind every act of resilience or recovery, there’s also a science that makes movement possible — and at the centre of that science is the Joint Vision Orthopaedic Research Institute (JVORI).
JVORI is a not-for-profit musculoskeletal research institute founded to bridge clinical expertise with research innovation.
Their work helps patients recover better, clinicians make stronger decisions, and the community benefit from more personalised care.
To shine a light on this world-class research, we sat down with Dr Diane Harland (PhD), a key researcher within JVORI, to learn more about the institute’s purpose, impact and vision.
(And yes — this is the same research initiative supported by our Illawarra Champions recognition campaign, where select nominees will enjoy a JVORI-hosted VIP experience at the Illawarra Hawks game on 4 December).
Q&A WITH JVORI
What is JVORI?
A group of scientists and clinicians who are experts in musculoskeletal research and innovation. We collaborate to advance knowledge of condition treatment and patient care, and to disseminate findings for the benefit of local, national and global communities.
JVORI was founded by Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group. How does that connection enhance your work?
It brings together clinicians and scientists with a shared passion for best patient outcomes and improved quality of life.
It establishes a formal partnership where evidence-based research can be translated into clinical practice.
Joint Vision provides state-of-the-art equipment and a multidisciplinary team capable of supporting a high-quality research program.
This partnership also encourages daily interaction between clinicians and researchers, allowing us to identify complex practice issues and systematically investigate solutions.
What gap did JVORI exist to fill?
Musculoskeletal lower-limb problems cost the Australian healthcare system over $256 million annually and are a major cause of disability. By analysing these disorders, we aim to reduce unnecessary expenditure and promote preventive techniques.
Joint Vision is the only multidisciplinary orthopaedic clinic in Australia, offering a model where patients receive treatment, rehabilitation and ongoing care in one place.
Creating a not-for-profit research institute allows us to embed the patient perspective into care and investigate the most effective treatment pathways.
We also maintain a comprehensive musculoskeletal data registry that improves diagnosis and outcomes, while ensuring strict confidentiality and de-identification of all research data.
What does “bridging clinical practice with research innovation” mean in practical terms?
Placing clinicians and researchers together allows constant sharing of insights into best-practice patient care.
We can question current strategies, investigate challenges, and influence routine healthcare delivery quickly.
Joint Vision also collaborates with orthopaedic technology companies to refine surgical implants or create new solutions tailored to individual patient needs. Large-scale data analysis helps identify patterns, correlations and predictors that support more personalised care.
How does your research improve patient outcomes in the real world?
By adopting a patient-centric approach and understanding the whole patient, research findings can help surgeons match implants and procedures to a patient’s unique characteristics, resulting in personalised medicine.
Our musculoskeletal data registry also helps identify which patients benefit most from devices like orthotics, leading to more sophisticated and effective fabrication.
Why is musculoskeletal research so important now, especially in the Illawarra?
The Illawarra includes people of all ages who enjoy sport, recreation and active coastal living, which means injuries happen.
Researching these injuries and treatment options improves clinical outcomes, reduces pressure on the healthcare system, and supports effective prevention strategies. This helps people return to work, activity and quality of life sooner.
How does research comparing treatment pathways help clinicians?
Every patient is unique.
Up-to-date, evidence-based information helps clinicians guide patients toward the treatment pathway most likely to succeed for them. Findings drawn from large datasets give clinicians a clearer “big picture” and help match the right solution to the right patient.
What excites you most about JVORI’s current research?
We’re conducting high-quality research that has the potential to significantly improve patients’ lives.
We also mentor and supervise emerging practitioners and researchers, helping shape the next generation of experts in orthopaedics.
Where do you see JVORI in five years?
More research, broader dissemination of findings, and improved outcomes for patients across the region.
Success means asking the right questions and systematically discovering the answers that will make a meaningful difference.
If you could leave the community with one message about JVORI, what would it be?
We exist to provide evidence-based information that supports exceptional medical practice and ultimately leads to the best outcomes for patients.
Moving Forward Together
As our region continues to grow and evolve, JVORI’s work is helping ensure the Illawarra remains healthy, active and strong. Their research is a powerful reminder that Moving Forward is not just about physical recovery... it’s about knowledge, prevention, innovation and community wellbeing.
To celebrate the people who embody these same values, we invite you to nominate an Illawarra Champion — someone who inspires resilience, courage or progress. A small number of nominees will be personally invited as guests of JVORI to enjoy a VIP experience at the Illawarra Hawks game on 4 December, 2025.
Nominate someone inspiring here.