ProfessorPaulo Ferreira

Professor Ferreira is Research Academic Director, Faculty of Medicine and Health; Founding Director, Musculoskeletal Research Hub, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney.

Professor Paulo Ferreira is a globally recognised expert in musculoskeletal health, ranked #1 in the world for research on low back pain and physical activity (Web of Science, 2025). He leads the Musculoskeletal Research Hub at the Charles Perkins Centre, a multidisciplinary team of over 35 researchers within one of Australia’s largest research centres.

Prof Ferreira’s work has driven a paradigm shift in the management of back pain, challenging ineffective treatments such as pain medications and spinal injections. His research has informed 30+ clinical guidelines across 19 countries, contributed to 16+ deprescribing tools, and shaped major policy changes including the 2020 WHO guidelines and Australian Clinical Care Standards. With over 294 publications and 26,000+ citations, his work appears in top-tier journals like The Lancet, BMJ, and Annals of Internal Medicine. His research has received prestigious awards, including the highest-ranked NHMRC Career Development Industry Fellowship, and has been featured in global media outlets such as The Washington Post and The New York Times.

Prof Ferreira has secured over $20 million in research funding from national and international agencies, and currently leads a major NHMRC-funded initiative to establish Australia’s first national helpline for low back pain. His implementation trials are co-designed with consumer groups, rural health organisations, and government bodies, ensuring real-world impact and relevance.