Arthritis Australia launches innovative research grants and new identity to support groundbreaking era

MEDIA RELEASE

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – 15 July 2026: Arthritis Australia is launching two new research grant programs alongside a new identity and website to ensure the next exciting chapter of scientific progress is matched by stronger support, trusted information and greater connection across the community.

There is growing optimism that major breakthroughs, and ultimately cures, are within reach – driven by world-leading Australian research and unprecedented investment, including the Australian Government’s recent announcement of a $100 million Medical Research Future Fund Mission for arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.

“We are entering one of the most exciting periods in Australian arthritis research that we have ever seen,” says 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.”

For more than 40 years, Arthritis Australia has helped build Australia’s arthritis research capability through its National Research Program, with the support of donors including major donor the Australian Rheumatology Association Research Fund. Today, it is strengthening that commitment with two innovative grant programs, with an additional quarter of a million dollars committed in the first year alone:

• The Triple A Arthritis Australia Accelerator grant is an idea-based fund for bold and innovative projects, unlikely to receive conventional research funding.
• The Joint Impact lived experience priority grants will fund crucial areas such as investigating the causes of arthritis, better models of care and shared challenges including chronic pain.

Arthritis Australia medical director Dr David Liew said the new grants will target research that might otherwise struggle to find 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,” Dr Liew says.

The organisation has also launched a new identity and website, designed to ensure people living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions feel seen, heard and supported, with a clearer, more accessible resources for guidance and information as this new era of research unfolds.

“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,” Louise Hardy adds.

“Our new identity, we are launching today, works hard to provide inclusivity, accessibility and clarity for all those needing guidance.”

Arthritis Australia Chair Kaylene Hubbard says the new brand reflects 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 says.

“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,” she adds.

The two new funding programs are the latest additions to Arthritis Australia’s National Research Program, which has a proven track record of supporting researchers at critical stages of their careers, helping them go on to secure larger scale funding.

Associate Professor Mihir Wechalekar, chair of the Grants Assessment Committee, said the program was crucial for his own career development. “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 says.
“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, where Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, hosted more than 80 researchers and representatives from across the arthritis community.

The event with the Governor-General recognised the contributions being made to advance the care of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, and marks 75 years of Arthritis Australia’s work.
Arthritis Australia represents 7 million Australians living with more than 100 different types of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, ranging from osteoarthritis and back pain to autoimmune illnesses.
These conditions cost the health system more than $16 billion a year, with major flow on impacts on productivity and workforce participation. The number of Australians affected by arthritis is projected to increase by 31 per cent by 2040.

Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC said the formal gathering was an important opportunity to recognise leading researchers driving progress in the field.

“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”.

“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.”

Media enquiries