Jim Woodburn

Professor Jim Woodburn serves as Head of School for the School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work at Griffith University, where he joined in January 2021. A podiatrist and clinician scientist, he brings extensive expertise in biomechanics, arthritis, and diabetes-related foot conditions developed through training at prestigious institutions including Edinburgh, Leeds, and the National Institutes of Health.

His research focuses on diabetic foot disease, rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders, and the application of data science and geospatial mapping to identify risk factors for foot complications. As coordinator of the A-FOOTPRINT project, he pioneered 3D printing for custom orthoses, leading to European spin-out companies. His current research explores precision healthcare paradigms for diabetic foot management.

His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to rheumatology and foot health, with recent work emphasizing clinical guidelines, gait rehabilitation for rheumatoid arthritis, and innovative approaches to Charcot neuroarthropathy management. The research spans clinical trials, qualitative studies, and systematic reviews across multiple international collaborations.

• UK Medical Research Council (MRC) Clinical Training Fellowship (1997-2000)
• UK Medical Research Council (MRC) Clinician Scientist Fellowship (2000-2005)
• 2009 British Health Professionals in Rheumatology Droitwich Lecturer
• Fellow of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
• Elected Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (2019, first podiatrist)

Professor Woodburn has successfully supervised 17 PhD students and currently leads multiple funded research projects totaling over $AUD 24 million, including BioMotionAi and BioSpine 2.0. His work aligns with Sustainable Development Goals for Good Health, Quality Education, Industry Innovation, and Partnerships. He maintains active collaborations through Griffith University's Australian Centre for Precision Health and Technology.