New high-risk funding aims to fast-track arthritis breakthroughs as the peak body unveils a new identity to match a changing research landscape.
Arthritis Australia is betting on high-risk science, launching two new research grant programs designed to back bold ideas that could reshape arthritis care but struggle to attract conventional funding.
The grants, announced as the organisation marked its 75th anniversary, came as arthritis research entered what leaders describe as a watershed moment, fuelled by the federal government’s recently announced $100 million Medical Research Future Fund Mission for arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.
The announcement also served as an unveiling of Arthritis Australia’s refreshed new look and website.
“We are entering one of the most exciting periods in Australian arthritis research that we have ever seen,” said Arthritis Australia CEO Louise Hardy.
“However, scientific progress alone isn’t enough. We need to ensure every Australian living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions can access trusted information and support, and ultimately benefit from the translation of the significant advances our researchers are now uncovering.”
After more than 40 years of building Australia’s arthritis research capability through its National Research Program, supported by donors including major contributor the Australian Rheumatology Association Research Fund, Arthritis Australia is expanding its investment with two new grant schemes backed by an additional $250,000 in first-year funding.
The first scheme, the Triple A Arthritis Australia Accelerator grant will back bold, high-risk ideas unlikely to attract conventional funding, while the second scheme, the Joint Impact lived experience priority grants, will support research into arthritis causes, models of care, and shared challenges such as chronic pain.
Arthritis Australia medical director and Rheumatology Republic deputy editor Dr David Liew said the organisation wanted to fund projects prepared to challenge established thinking that might otherwise struggle to access funding.
“We will be funding high-risk, high-reward projects: research that deliberately takes on critical barriers to progress, challenges what we think we know about arthritis, and tests novel hypotheses that could change the field,” he said.
The announcement is significant for the rheumatology community, coming as expectations grow that increased investment could accelerate translation of Australian discoveries into clinical practice.
Alongside the grants, Arthritis Australia has launched a new brand identity and website aimed at improving access to information and strengthening connections with the seven million Australians living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.
Ms Hardy said the refreshed identity was intended to ensure people living with arthritis felt “seen, heard and supported” as research progressed.
“We know people with arthritis can feel alone and invisible, so our goal is to strengthen connections and ensure those living with the many forms of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions are seen, heard and supported,” Ms Hardy said.
Arthritis Australia chair Kaylene Hubbard said the new brand reflected the organisation’s commitment to unity and support, amplifying the impact of its research, support services, and educational resources.
“Our new hand symbol represents connection, participation, and collective strength; a powerful and universally recognised gesture of support and action,” Ms Hubbard said.
“It is an invitation for everyone to get involved, stand together, and be part of something bigger. This is a very unique moment in time for this community and we will do everything we possibly can to capture the incredible advances underway and bring true impact to arthritis.”
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The grants were welcomed by Associate Professor Mihir Wechalekar, who chairs the Grants Assessment Committee and previously received Arthritis Australia funding early in his career.
“At a critical point in my career, Arthritis Australia’s National Research Program was a lifeline, enabling my laboratory to continue when no other funding was available,” he said.
“Now, as chair of the Grants Assessment Committee, I see these grants playing an irreplaceable role keeping talented young arthritis researchers in the field, and helping them achieve success in larger scale government funded programs.”
The announcements were made at Government House in Sydney last week, where Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn hosted more than 80 researchers, clinicians, and community representatives to mark Arthritis Australia’s 75th anniversary.
“Gatherings like this remind us that progress is not achieved alone. It is built through partnerships — across research, healthcare, philanthropy, and community — and through a shared determination to create a better future,” Ms Mostyn said.
“This milestone signals a renewed commitment to connection, inclusion, and impact. It is a step toward ensuring that the voices of people living with arthritis are seen, heard, and supported in new and meaningful ways.
“It is a great pleasure to bring together our best and brightest researchers, academics and clinicians who lead the way in making a true impact for the significant numbers of Australian living with arthritis conditions and those that support and care for them.
“I have the privilege of recognising care in its many forms across the country and wherever Australians live and work and I see care in everything Arthritis Australia does and has done for the last 75 years.”
See the new-look Arthritis Australia and its website here.
