Physiotherapist Jane Burridge is urging UK-based healthcare professionals to book a place at an international conference that takes place in mid-May, which she describes as ‘the most important international multidisciplinary meeting for neurorehabilitation professionals’.
Jane, who is Emerita Professor of Restorative Neuroscience at the University of Southampton, is a recent former president of ACPIN [Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology], a professional network linked to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
The Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair Congress 2025: From Science to Evidence-based Practice is being held in the city of Maastricht in the Netherlands from 14-16 May.
Talking exclusively to PhysioUpdate about the biennial event, Jane said: ‘The congress brings together basic scientists, clinical and scientific researchers and clinicians, from across the world.’
Jane is one of two UK-based physiotherapists who were invited to sit on the congress’s eight-member organising and scientific committee. Adine Adonis is the other one [see below for more information].
Important link with rest of Europe
Jane said: ‘Congress delegates will have the opportunity to learn about a broad range of neurorehabilitation research from systematic reviews and ground-breaking technologies to clinical trials and qualitative explorative studies.
‘ACPIN is proud to join the Neurorehabilitation Societies of Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands to organise the event. The meeting also hosts the annual conferences and annual general meetings of each of these societies and is therefore fundamental in ensuring the UK’s continuing collaboration with Europe.’
Chance to hear from renowned speakers from UK and beyond
Jane pointed out that two keynote speakers are also ACPIN members: Dr Gita Ramdharry, an Internationally renowned clinical academic at University College London in Queen’s Square, and Professor Jenny Freeman, a leading researcher in complex neurorehabilitation needs. Jenny, who specialises in the use of technologies for remote patient management, is head of rehabilitation research at the University of Plymouth.
‘Congress delegates will have the opportunity to learn about a broad range of neurorehabilitation research from systematic reviews and ground-breaking technologies to clinical trials and qualitative explorative studies’ [Jane Burridge]
‘They are joined by Professor Vanbellingen, a neuroscientist and biomedical engineer from Switzerland who specialises in Parkinson’s Disease and upper limb rehabilitation and Professor Gert Kwakkel from Amsterdam, who is probably the most widely referenced researcher in neurorehabilitation worldwide.
‘The congress opens with a full day of workshops, which are always well-attended and have a practical focus. The event is built around focused symposia, which this year include real-life use of the upper limb, spinal cord injury, and ‘from neural mechanisms to multidisciplinary neurological rehabilitation’.
‘Importantly, the value of this conference lies in the fact that you hear from and meet eminent academics, clinicians and researchers who are all focussed on improving the quality of life of those living with a neurological condition.
‘Wonderful’ meeting place
A small number of the authors of the 163 abstracts received this year will be invited to give an oral presentation, but most will present their work via poster. Attention is always given to these sessions, which cover a wide range of fascinating research, from basic science and engineering to clinical practice. Lastly, because of its informal atmosphere, the congress is a wonderful meeting place to learn, and to enjoy and share experiences.
Physiotherapist Adine Adonis also sits on organising committee
Jane is one of two UK-based physiotherapists who sit on the congress’s eight-member organising and scientific committee. ACPIN chair Adine Adonis, who is based at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in London, is the second one. Adine’s current research study and her National Institute for Health Research fellowship recently featured in a PhysioUpdate On the Move article.
To read the On the Move article, see: https://physioupdate.co.uk/physiotherapist-adine-adonis-to-visit-clinical-settings-in-four-cities-to-conduct-phd-research-thanks-to-nihr-fellowship/
More about Jane (including a surprising career switch!)
Jane’s research focuses on improving recovery of movement following acquired brain damage. Fundamental to this is understanding the mechanisms associated with normal, loss and recovery of motor function. Jane’s work crosses traditional rehabilitation boundaries, collaborating with engineers, neuroscientists and psychologists. She was elected as ACPIN president in 2017.
After graduating as a physiotherapist, Jane changed career and trained as a musician playing and teaching the flute. Her PhD at the University of Southampton enabled response to functional electrical stimulation for drop-foot to be better predicted by accurate measurement of muscle dysfunction.
Jane’s current research is with wearable sensors to support home-based rehabilitation and generate objective measures of impairment. She leads a research programme into the use of the internet to support home-based rehabilitation and is particularly interested in understanding how rehabilitation technologies can translate into clinical practice.
For more information about Jane’s career, see: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/healthsciences/research/staff/jane_burridge.page
For more information about the Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair Congress 2025, see: https://www.neurorehabrepair.eu/
For more information about ACPIN, see: https://www.acpin.net/
