Supporting Research Using the Resources from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI)

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Topic Description

Post Date: January 26, 2026

Expiration Date: January 26, 2027

We invite research grant applications focused on the use of the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) database, clinical data, and images.  We aim to expand the use of these resources by investigators in the broader research community.

While the OAI resource has been extensively used by OA investigators, significant opportunities remain for novel analyses of the data, exploration of OA epidemiology and progression, and application of new technologies to biospecimens and genetic data. The OAI also serves as a valuable training resource and can foster interdisciplinary collaborations beyond musculoskeletal researchers.

Examples of possible topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Identification and validation of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for knee and hip OA.
  • Use of biospecimens to discover biochemical markers for early or progressive disease. Integration of biospecimens with imaging and clinical data to improve patient phenotyping. Predictive modeling of intervention effectiveness (bio-behavioral, pharmacologic, etc.) based on existing OAI data.
  • Investigation of MRI features as predictors of radiographic or clinical OA outcomes.
  • Development of robust, reproducible tools for automated image analysis (MRI, X-ray) for OA diagnosis and monitoring.
  • Studies on disease trajectory and structural changes (e.g., muscles, ligaments, bone) to identify whole joint treatment strategies.
  • Ancillary studies extending OAI follow-up to assess long-term consequences of OA and its links to other musculoskeletal disorders.
  • Combined analyses using OAI and other compatible cohorts to study broader OA-related disability questions. Other cohorts to be considered include but are not limited to:
    • Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST): https://most.ucsf.edu/
    • The National Institute of Aging (NIA) Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) cohort
    • The NIH Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) Cohort
  • Application of AI, deep learning, and advanced data science to enhance data integration and clinical interpretation.
  • Development of complex, multimodal predictive models that outperform single-domain predictions.
  • Use of real-world data (e.g., EHRs) to evaluate treatment response, adverse outcomes, and reduce health disparities in OA care.

Central Scientific Contact:
Xincheng Zheng, MD, PhD
[email protected]

Participating ICOs

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

NIAMS has interest in novel analyses of the OAI data, exploration of OA epidemiology and progression, and application of new technologies to biospecimens and genetic data. The OAI also serves as a valuable training resource and can foster interdisciplinary collaborations that include musculoskeletal researchers.

IC may give special consideration to support meritorious applications in this topic area.
ICO Scientific Contact:
Xincheng Zheng, PhD, MD
[email protected]

National Institute on Aging (NIA)
ICO Scientific Contact:
Lyndon Joseph, Ph.D.
[email protected]

Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is more common and often more severe in women, with distinct patterns of presentation stemming from an interplay of hormonal, genetic, anatomical, and lifestyle factors. The Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) is interested in the following OA-related research: 

  • Leveraging Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and other emerging technologies to address osteoarthritis risk and resilience factors in women and elucidate the sex- linked underlying mechanisms that preserve musculoskeletal/ bone health across the life course, especially during menopause.
  • Developing novel and innovative diagnostic tools and interventions to prevent OA in women.
  • Discovering new therapies aimed at halting osteoarthritis progression and reducing disability in women.

This office does not award grants. Applications must be relevant to the objectives of at least one of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers listed in this topic. 

ICO Scientific Contact:
Elena Gorodetsky, M.D., Ph.D.
[email protected]

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