John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research

The John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research focuses on research and education in rehabilitation and injury-related disability.

Our centre is part of the Kolling Institute and our team has broad experience across a range of disciplines.

Our primary goals are to:

  • Generate new knowledge to improve health outcomes for people with injury related disability
  • Promote links with the research community, partner organisations, patient advocacy groups and non-government organisations, to support the effective transfer of research outcomes into health policy
  • Improve clinical care for people with injury-related disability and translate research outcomes into clinical practice.

The centre, which was formerly the Rehabilitation Studies Unit, receives major financial support from the NSW State Insurance Regulatory Authority and NSW icare Lifetime Care.


Professor Ian Cameron Professor Ian Cameron

Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine and Senior Staff Specialist Northern Sydney Local Health District








Join a clinical trial

The John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research is looking for participants for an innovative clinical trial to support those with a spinal cord injury.

It’s a world-first technique using breathing and heart rate feedback to reduce pain, improve brain fog, stabilise blood pressure and improve sleep. The therapy, which is drug free, involves 10 treatment sessions.

If you would like to know more or would like to join the trial email smart.trial@sydney.edu.au

Click on the link to find out more:


Professor Ashley Craig

Senior Researcher

Professor Lisa Harvey

Senior Researcher

Professor James Middleton

Senior Researcher

Associate Professor Grahame Simpson

Senior Researcher

Emerita Professor Robyn Tate

Emeritus Professor

Associate Professor Joanne Glinsky

Postdoctoral Researcher

Professor Trudy Rebbeck

Postdoctoral Researcher

Dr Mohit Arora

Senior Research Fellow

Dr Kishan Kariippanon - Centre Manager

Dr Barbara Lucas - Postdoctorate Researcher

Dr Candice McBain - Postdoctorate Researcher

Dr Liz Gill - Postdoctorate Researcher

Dr Kathryn Anne Sinnott Jerram - Postdoctorate Researcher

Dr Annette Kifley - Statistician

Dr Ilaria Pozzato - Senior Research Fellow

Janet Doubleday - Project Manager

Michaela Filipcikova - Research Assistant

Karishma Rajan - Research Assistant

Jacob Schoffl – PhD Student

Hannah Withers - Research Assistant/PhD Student

Jackie Chu - Research Assistant/PhD Student

Louise Kelly - PhD Student

Lydia Chen - Research Assistant/PhD Student

Keira Tranter - PhD Student

Maria Ben - PhD Student

Danielle Sandalic - PhD Student

Daniel Myles – Research Assistant

Rowan Hayes - Honorary Research Fellow

Elham Vafa - Research Assistant 

Ana Paula De Moura Campos Carvalho Silva - Postdoctoral Research Associate

John Bourke - Research Fellow

Simon Olivotto - PhD Student 

Mariateresa Pellegrino - Research Admin Officer

Anne Marie Sarandrea - PhD Student

Jiwon (Kate) Kim - Finance Officer

Our projects cover five areas:

  • severe traumatic brain injury
  • spinal cord injury
  • musculoskeletal injury
  • psychosocial health after injury
  • disability (including ageing)

Rehabilitation related information

Events, News and Seminars

Kolling Research Symposium 2024

Kolling Research Symposium 2024

We would like to thank everyone involved in the 2024 Kolling Institute Symposium. During the event, ..... Read more

Category: Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Musculoskeletal Research, Neuroscience and Pain Research, Presentations, Research Excellence

Culturally relevant pain solutions

Culturally relevant pain solutions

After training as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist in India, the Kolling Institute's Dr Saurab Shar..... Read more

Category: Neuroscience and Pain Research, Research Excellence

Collaboration driving results

Collaboration driving results

The Northern Sydney (Arabanoo) Precinct hosted its annual showcase at the Kolling, highlighting the ..... Read more

Category: Research Excellence