PAIR Seminar: Prof. Manuela FERREIRA of University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia delivers “High-Impact Research & Big Data Analysis”
PAIR Seminar Series
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Date
28 May 2026
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Organiser
PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
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Time
14:30 - 16:00
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Venue
Lecture Theatre FJ302, 3/F, Chan Tai Ho Building, PolyU (Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis) Map
Speaker
Prof. Manuela FERREIRA
Enquiry
PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research info.pair@polyu.edu.hk
Summary
Abstract
High-impact health research increasingly depends on the effective use of large-scale data to inform policy and practice. This presentation explores the use of Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data as a robust platform for big data analysis, enabling comparative and longitudinal assessments of population health across countries, regions, and sub-populations. Through applied examples in LBP and OA, the presentation demonstrates how GBD frameworks can be used to quantify disease burden, attribute risk factors, and identify emerging health trends relevant to decision-making. Key methodological considerations, including data uncertainty, comparability, and interpretation, are discussed. The session also highlights strategies for maximising research impact, such as reproducible analyses, interdisciplinary collaboration, and effective knowledge translation. Overall, the presentation illustrates how rigorous analysis of GBD data can support high-impact, policy-relevant research.
Prof. Manuela FERREIRA
Professor of Musculoskeletal Health
University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Prof. Manuela FERREIRA is an NHMRC Investigator Fellow, Professor of Musculoskeletal Health, and Program Head of Musculoskeletal Health at The George Institute for Global Health, where she conducts research on the mechanisms, prognosis, and management of musculoskeletal disorders with a focus on low back pain. Before joining The George Institute, she was Professor of Musculoskeletal Health at the University of Sydney, inaugural chair of the Musculoskeletal Priority Research Area (80+ researchers) at the Kolling Institute, and co-chair of the Musculoskeletal Clinical Advisory Group of Sydney Health Partners (an NHMRC, Sydney University, and health district research translation partnership). She currently leads multiple randomized controlled trials of musculoskeletal interventions, including an NHMRC-funded study establishing the efficacy of decompressive surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis—the first placebo-controlled randomized trial for spinal surgery. Her works have informed the development of clinical practice guidelines in multiple continents.
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