Europe and Southern Africa Research Study Groups

AO Spine is dedicated to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and collaborative efforts. As part of AO Spine’s mission to promote excellence in the treatment of spinal pathologies, AO Spine Europe and Southern Africa (ESA) has launched regional Study Groups.

AO Spine’s ESA Study Groups offer structured, collaborative spaces where members meet regularly to develop meaningful multicenter research projects that address real clinical and scientific challenges. Whether you are already involved in studies or looking for the right opportunity to begin, you’ll find a clear pathway to contribute, connect, and grow your research profile.

Target participants

Spine surgeons and spine researchers within AO Spine ESA (and interested international collaborators), especially early- to mid-career clinicians who want to participate in multicenter research projects through a Study Group. Group participants must be AO Spine members.

Join the community

If you are an AO Spine member and would like to join one or more Study Groups, please click below to visit our community on myAO 2.0.

Study Group Tumor

This group is dedicated to research and clinical treatment of spine tumors. Members work together to study cutting-edge therapies, surgical techniques, and patient care strategies.

Join ESA Study Group Tumor on myAO 2.0

JJ Verlaan

Chairperson
Utrecht, Netherlands

Aron Lazary

Co-Chairperson
Budapest, Hungary

Study Group Deformity

This group is dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of spinal deformities through collaborative research, innovative surgical methods, and improved patient care strategies.

Join ESA Study Group Deformity on myAO 2.0

Anna Rienmüller

Chairperson
Vienna, Austria

Caglar Yilgör

Co-Chairperson
Istanbul, Turkiye

Study Group Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

This group focuses on advancing research, treatment innovation, and collaborative clinical strategies to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with spinal cord injuries.

Join ESA Study Group SCI on myAO 2.0

Mario Ganau

Chairperson
Oxford, United Kingdom

Nader Hejrati

Co-Chairperson
Sankt Gallen, Switzerland

Study Group Degenerative

Focused on understanding and addressing the complexities of degenerative spine conditions, this group explores innovative treatments and surgical techniques to improve patient outcomes.

Join ESA Study Group Degenerative on myAO 2.0

Gordan Grahovac

Chairperson
London, United Kingdom

Martin Stienen

Co-Chairperson
Sankt Gallen, Switzerland

Study Group Trauma and Infection

Focused on the latest advancements in spinal trauma and infection management, this group aims to improve outcomes for patients with traumatic spinal injuries through research and knowledge exchange.

Join ESA Study Group Trauma and Infection on myAO 2.0

Julian Scherer

Chairperson
Zurich, Switzerland, and Cape Town, South Africa

Siegmund Lang

Co-Chairperson
Regensburg, Germany

“We’ve always had the talent—now we have the alignment. Our AO Spine ESA Study Groups are an opportunity to turn our region’s diversity into meaningful, multicenter research. No matter which group you join, we are building bridges. Your expertise is the missing piece—join us!”

Marcin Czyz
AO Spine ESA Research Officer
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
United Kingdom