Brenton Hordacre

The most rewarding part of research is seeing how new knowledge translates into meaningful improvements in people's lives.

I am fortunate to work alongside exceptional researchers, clinicians, health services and people with lived experience who share a common goal: improving recovery and quality of life. I enjoy bringing together different perspectives to ask important questions, discover new knowledge, and translate those discoveries into better healthcare.

I began my career as a physiotherapist, where I developed an interest in neurological recovery and finding better ways to support people through their rehabilitation. This clinical experience continues to shape my research, ensuring our work remains connected to the needs of people, families and healthcare teams.

A large part of my research focuses on stroke recovery. Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability worldwide, with 1 in 4 adults likely to experience a stroke during their lifetime. Behind these statistics are real people — people working to regain independence, reconnect with their families and communities, and return to activities that matter most.

My research aims to discover, test and implement new rehabilitation approaches that improve recovery after stroke and neurological injury. This includes research into neuroplasticity, technology-enabled rehabilitation and models of care that help effective therapies reach those who need them. While I am excited by scientific discovery and innovation, the ultimate measure of success is whether our work makes a meaningful difference to people's lives.

Here's some of my recent work in video format;

• Critical window of plasticity after stroke
• Stroke Boot Camp
• Innovative gait training for improving mobility outcomes

Associate Professor Brenton Hordacre is the Chair of Rehabilitation and Brain Health in Ageing. He leads a research program within the Department of Rehabilitation, Aged and Palliative Care (FMC). Brenton has secured over $3 million in research funding, including support from NHMRC and MRFF, and has published more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications (metrics). His research brings together clinicians, researchers, industry partners and people with lived experience to develop and translate innovative approaches to rehabilitation.

A central part of Brenton's research philosophy is meaningful partnership with people who have lived experience. He established Reconnect, a stroke lived-experience advisory group, which works alongside researchers to shape research priorities and ensure outcomes reflect what matters most to people after stroke.

Brenton welcomes opportunities to collaborate with researchers, prospective PhD students, clinicians, health services, industry partners and community members interested in rehabilitation and brain health.