Europe and Southern Africa Research Study Groups—Want to shape the future of Tumor, Trauma, Degenerative, Deformity, or SCI research in the ESA region?

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 new 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.

This is your chance to tap into unique research opportunities.

 

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.

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

 

Verlaan Jorrit Jan

JJ Verlaan

Chairperson
Utrecht, Netherlands


Aron Lazary

Aron Lazary

Co-Chairperson
Budapest, Hungary


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

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 MD, PhD

Gordan Grahovac

Chairperson
London, United Kingdom

Dr Martin Stienen

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

Julian Scherer

Chairperson
Zurich, Switzerland, and Cape Town, South Africa

Siegmund Lang

Siegmund Lang

Co-Chairperson
Regensburg, Germany

 

“Our region already has a strong foundation of clinical excellence, and these new ESA Study Groups give us an opportunity to strengthen our collaboration even further. By working together across Tumor, Trauma, Degenerative, Deformity, and SCI, we can accelerate meaningful multicentre research that truly reflects the depth and diversity of expertise within ESA. Whether you have a little time or a lot, your involvement matters. Help shape the next phase of our regional research efforts.”

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

Ready to get involved?

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

 

Not yet an AO Spine member?

Sign up here and get started.

 

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