Dr Maarten Immink

Human movement is one of the most powerful expressions of human capability. It shapes our health and wellbeing, our emotions and thinking, the way we work, and how we connect with others and our communities. My work is devoted to understanding how people learn, develop and perform skilled movement and how this knowledge can help individuals and organisations thrive.

I study human movement through an integrated perspective that brings together the brain, mind, body and social environment. My work draws on neuroscience, psychology and movement science, while also engaging with traditional knowledge systems such as mindfulness, meditation and yoga that explore the relationship between awareness, action and human flourishing. This approach allows me to understand movement not simply as physical activity but as a complex expression of cognition, emotion and human potential.

I am internationally recognised for my work in human performance development, enhancement and resilience. My research examines the neurocognitive processes that support the acquisition and mastery of skilled movement and how training environments can be designed to accelerate learning and performance. These insights inform applications across sport, health care, rehabilitation, defence, education and industry where reliable performance under pressure matters.

For more than twenty five years I have translated this research into teaching that prepares future professionals who work with movement in sport, health, education and clinical settings. I also collaborate with organisations seeking to improve human performance, resilience and leadership capability by translating science into practical strategies for high performance environments.

I currently serve as Lead of the Active Lives Research Program within the Caring Futures Institute at Flinders University and as Editor in Chief of the Journal of Motor Learning and Development. I have also worked extensively with athletes, professionals and organisations to develop the psychological and mental performance skills required to perform at the highest levels.

Across my work in research, teaching, leadership and coaching, my aim is simple. To advance our understanding of human movement and translate that knowledge into meaningful impact for individuals, organisations and society.