Founding members
Professor Michael Nilsson
Professor Nilsson is the Director of the Centre for Rehab Innovations (CRI) and Global Innovation Chair of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Newcastle, Australia. CRI consists of an accomplished team of experts linked together in a pioneering multidisciplinary collaboration currently working on novel aspects of precision Health and Rehabilitation interventions embedded in new models of care supported by digital health and welfare technology. CRI offers a unique one-stop-shop for business, industry and government partners to work with researchers helping to define and understand aspects of future health care. Some of Australia’s leading enterprises are partnering with CRI to develop new health care solutions. Professor Nilsson has a background as senior specialist of Rehabilitation Medicine and Neurology, trained in Sweden and Australia, with over 20 years’ experience in leading roles in both countries. He is a health care innovator and thought leader, working at the interface between the clinic, translational, interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurship and organisational leadership. His long-standing research interests include aspects on long-term recovery, prevention and health promotion in rehabilitation and includes studies on mechanisms of protection, repair, recovery and degeneration and how they can be modulated by stimuli such as stress, the environment and biological modulators such as growth factors and pharmacological agents.
Associate Professor Rohan Walker
Professor Rohan Walker is the Deputy Director of CRI and is the Assistant Dean for Partnerships and Innovation for the Faculty of Health and Medicine. Rohan has an extensive track record in research and translating research innovations into commercial practice. His ability to identify over-the-horizon solutions that combine cutting-edge discoveries with a common-sense approach, means he can create and lead successful initiatives to resolve industry and clinical challenges. He has particular skills in developing and steering complex multi-stakeholder arrangements, as well as constructing robust risk mitigation frameworks. Rohan has led the delivery of major projects into both the public and private sectors, including the delivery of projects into health, defence and agri-business contexts.
Professor Sarah Johnson
Professor Sarah Johnson is a professor of Electrical Engineering and the Deputy Head of Faculty (Research) for the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment at the University of Newcastle. She is also and the Executive lead for technology in the Centre for Rehab Innovations (CRI). Sarah has an extensive track record in research and in particular applying engineering solutions to complex health problems. Sarah has been recognised through continuous funding from the Australian Research Council and through the award of the NSW Premiers Prize for Excellence in Engineering, Information and Communications Technology.
Associate Professor Michael Pollack
Associate Professor Michael Pollack is a senior Rehabilitation Medicine physician with a special interest in rehabilitation and recovery. He has been working in this field for over 30 years and is currently District Director of Rehabilitation Medicine at Hunter New England Local Health District. He is also the Clinical Pathways Lead in the Centre for Rehab Innovations (CRI).
Apart from his direct patient management role and research interests, he has been a leading figure in the introduction and evolution of models of care and guidelines in rehabilitation at local, state and national levels.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.