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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Julian Scherer
Chairperson
Zurich, Switzerland, and Cape Town, South Africa
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 AO Spine ESA Study Community on myAO 2.0.
Not yet an AO Spine member?
Sign up here and get started.