JTI Newsletter – February 2026

Contents

Welcome

We’re gearing up for a vibrant year of activity at JTI, with major events and new team developments already shaping an exciting 2026. This month, we launch the Bone, Joint and Spine Infection Symposium, featuring an exceptional program led by international experts in infection management. Following that, our flagship annual event, the JTI Showcase, will take place on 5 March. This free, open event will highlight key achievements from the past year and will conclude with a networking session for attendees to connect and collaborate. Planning is also well underway for the Queensland Trauma Symposium 2026, hosted by JTI in partnership with the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Trauma Service.

Since our last newsletter, we’ve welcomed two new team members. Dr Lyndon Nofz, RBWH Trauma Service Clinical Fellow, brings extensive surgical experience gained across Queensland and will play a key role in advancing our trauma initiatives. Mr Isaac Salisbury, our new Research Officer, strengthens our research support capability and will contribute across multiple ongoing projects.

We are also delighted that Prof Andrej Trampuz and A/Prof Nora Renz have now commenced clinical practice following receipt of their Australian accreditation. They have already initiated several projects poised to significantly enhance the management of device‑related infection in Queensland hospitals.

Bone, Joint and Spine Infection Symposium

Bone, Joint and Spine Infection Symposium, 26-27 February 2026

The Bone, Joint and Spine Infection Symposium 2026 is fast approaching — and the draft program is now available.

On 26^th and 27^th February at QUT Gardens Point, the Jamieson Trauma Institute, Queensland University of Technology, and the PRO‑IMPLANT Foundation will bring together global leaders in orthopaedic, spinal and infection management for two days of cutting‑edge discussion and collaboration.

The draft program showcases international speakers, emerging research, and practical clinical insights designed to advance infection prevention and management across the continuum of care. It’s a first look at the conversations shaping the future of the field.

For more information and registrations, please see our website: Bone, Joint and Spine Infection Symposium | Jamieson Trauma Institute

JTI Showcase Event, Keep the Focus – Navigating Complexity

This year’s JTI Showcase Event will be held at the Education Centre, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, on 5^th March. This evening brings together clinicians, researchers, healthcare professionals and many more members from JTI’s extensive network, to explore innovative approaches to trauma care and the challenges of delivering excellence in complex environments.

Attendees will enjoy thought‑provoking presentations, networking opportunities, and insights into the Institute’s latest initiatives driving advances in trauma research and clinical practice.

This free event is open to all. Please RSVP by Monday, 2 March 2026 – Register here

Queensland Trauma Symposium

Queensland Trauma Symposium, 20-21 August 2026

The Queensland Trauma Symposium 2026 will be held at the RBWH Education Centre, Brisbane, on 20^th and 21^st August. It will be hosted by the RBWH Trauma Service and the Jamieson Trauma Institute.

This will be an excellent opportunity for multidisciplinary trauma care providers to collaborate at a professional level, educate on current practices and discuss ideas for the future of trauma care.

For more information and registrations, please visit the Queensland Trauma Symposium page.

Farewell Rebekah Young

Dr Rebekah Young, winner of the Best Medical Oral Free Paper Presentation at the 2025 ANZTS Trauma Conference.

We would like to farewell Dr Rebekah Young, the RBWH Trauma Service Clinical Fellow for 2025. In less than one year, Rebekah has led several trauma education, research and quality improvement activities. Notably, she has been instrumental in initiating the Trauma Survivors Network, to improve long-term recovery and well-being for trauma survivors. She received the Best Medical Presentation award at the Australia and New Zealand Trauma Society 2025 Conference, and was a finalist at the Metro North Staff Excellence Awards, in the category of Consumer Partnerships. And, last but not least, Rebekah has been a great person to work with, and we will all miss her.

Welcome Lyndon Nofz as the new RBWH Trauma Service Clinical Fellow in collaboration with JTI

Dr Lyndon Nofz.

Dr Lyndon Nofz will be the new RBWH Trauma Service Clinical Fellow. Lyndon brings to JTI a wealth of comprehensive training in general surgery across Queensland’s major tertiary, regional, and rural centres, and has broad experience in acute care and trauma surgery among several other general surgical subspecialties. Lyndon has a strong academic and leadership background, with multiple peer-reviewed publications, and national and international conference presentations. He is passionate about progressing medical education being regularly involved with the teaching of junior doctors and medical students. His Fellowships interests include major trauma management, surgical decision-making in critically injured patients, and systems-based approaches to trauma care.

Celebrating JTI’s First Research Milestones of 2026

The Jamieson Trauma Institute is starting 2026 with real momentum — releasing two research papers that push forward our understanding of trauma care and, most importantly, how we can improve outcomes for patients across Queensland and beyond.

The study Predicting anxiety, depression, PTSD and psychotic disorders after traumatic brain injury in civilian adults: A systematic review of multivariable prognostic models looked at dozens of previous research papers to understand what factors might help predict who is most at risk of developing mental health problems after a TBI. The study leader, PhD student Zemedu Ferede, continues to expand his understanding of predictors of outcome after trauma to translate the evidence into meaningful improvements for patients.

The study My family member’s health and my mental health: A longitudinal matched cohort study looked at how Australians’ mental wellbeing changed when a family member became seriously ill or injured, using long-term national survey data. Through this study, Dr. Clifford Afoakwah, JTI Health Economist, brings critical insight into the real‑world impact of injuries.

Their work reflects JTI’s commitment to using high‑quality data, innovative methods, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration to answer the questions that matter most: How do we help people recover better, faster, and more safely after injury? As the JTI research program continues to grow, so does the potential to transform trauma care for communities across Australia.

The biobehavioral family model; Adapted from Priest et al. (2015) and Wood et al. (2021).

JTI team members invited to speak at a parliamentary hearing on the impact of e-mobility injuries

On 20^th January, JTI and Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit (QISU) members Prof Kirsten Vallmuur, Dr Gary Mitchell and Dr Ruth Barker, together with trauma Surgeon Dr David Lockwood, were invited to speak at a parliamentary briefing to discuss the impact of e-mobility injuries on the health system. The group had previously submitted data that revealed the significant and rising injury burden caused by e-mobility, including 6,000 hospital presentations, 60 admissions to intensive care and a demonstrable cost of over $15 million, which only covers the acute portion of the patient’s care journey. Injuries were described as complex and severe. Head, face and neck trauma is common, and children under 16 account for one third of e-scooter deaths in Australia. The burden on ambulance, emergency departments and hospital beds was highlighted.

It is expected that targeted laws will be introduced when the inquiry ends, including speed, age, protective wear and device specifications.

JTI and QISU will continue to survey injury trends and patterns to evaluate the impact over time of any legislative changes and to continue informing the government and stakeholders through the journey to minimising the problem.

Prof Kirsten Vallmuur, Dr Gary Mitchell, Dr David Lockwood and Dr Ruth Barker at Parliament House, discussing the ongoing personal and health system burden of e-mobility in Queensland.