New position strengthens research collaboration between Griffith University, CCRG and TPCH
Dr Oystein Tronstad, Lead, Clinical Research, Critical Care Research Group (CCRG) has been recognised for his contribution to clinical research and allied health leadership, appointed as a Senior Research Fellow, Cardiothoracic Research at Griffith University’s School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work.
The appointment represents a significant step forward in strengthening the relationship between clinical practice and research translation across Queensland’s health and university sectors including at The Prince Charles Hospital’s Allied Health Research Collaborative (TPCH AHRC).
Griffith University Head of School, School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work, Professor Norman Morris said Dr Tronstad’s appointment would further support collaboration between research and clinical implementation, improving the pipeline for Griffith University students wishing to pursue clinician-researcher careers.
Professor Morris has a long-standing relationship with TPCH, having previously held the position of Conjoint Professor of Cardiothoracic at TPCH, a joint appointment between Griffith University and TPCH. Dr Tronstad’s appointment will also formalise collaborations between CCRG, TPCH and Griffith University through the Allied Health Research Collaborative (AHRC).
“Oystein brings a wealth of internationally recognised clinical and research expertise, and his appointment will help foster stronger connections across Brisbane’s research ecosystem. It is an important step in supporting allied health professionals to pursue meaningful research and translate evidence into improved patient care.”
The AHRC provides direct research support and leadership across allied health disciplines at TPCH. Their aim is to enable people to live healthy, happy and productive lives away from hospital by translating research findings into clinical practice and strengthening the evidence base for hospital and integrated healthcare.
Perry Judd, Allied Health Director, The Prince Charles Hospital and AHRC Lead, said Dr Tronstad’s appointment was recognition of the important contribution allied health researchers make to improving patient care.
“Oystein is a great example of how clinicians can use their frontline experience to identify important questions, lead research and ultimately improve the way we care for patients.
“The AHRC is committed to creating an environment where clinicians across allied health, medicine and nursing can collaborate, develop research capability and translate evidence into better outcomes for patients. Oystein’s work embodies that approach,” said Mr Judd.
Dr Fergus O'Connor from Griffith University will also take up a conjoint position with Griffith University and TPCH and will be a member of the AHRC, continuing the work that Griffith University and Professor Morris have undertaken over the past 10 years.
Dr Tronstad commenced with CCRG in 2005 and is Lead of the Group’s Clinical Research Team and Co-Founder of the world-first ICU of the Future, a major research programme investigating how the physical environment and design of intensive care units can affect patient outcomes. The project aims to create spaces that better support patient recovery, sleep, wellbeing and rehabilitation. Dr Tronstad graduated as a physiotherapist from The University of Queensland in 2002 and has built a career focused on improving outcomes for critically ill patients through allied health clinician-led research translation. He was awarded his PhD in 2025 from The University of Queensland. The new appointment with Griffith University supports Dr Tronstad’s ongoing position with CCRG.
Based at The Prince Charles Hospital, CCRG brings together clinicians, engineers and scientists to address some of the most complex challenges facing critically ill patients. With an internationally recognised research programme spanning extracorporeal life support (ECMO), mechanical circulatory support, organ preservation, critical care innovation and translational medicine, CCRG is committed to turning research into reality for better patient outcomes globally.