Aligning science and systems – Delivering better outcomes after injury

Join us for the RECOVER Injury Research Centre 2026 Symposium: Aligning Science and Systems – Delivering Better Outcomes After Injury, a forum bringing together researchers, clinicians, policymakers and consumers to explore how research can more effectively support recovery following motor vehicle injury.

The symposium will highlight emerging evidence and real-world implementation from across RECOVER’s research programs. Sessions will explore advances in the understanding and management of musculoskeletal injuries, including whiplash-associated disorders, alongside innovations in technology-enabled care.

Keynote

Rethinking Whiplash Through a Neural Lens
Annina Schmid, Professor of Pain Neurosciences and a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist at the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences at Oxford University

Each year, 20-50 million people worldwide experience whiplash injuries, often from car accidents. The most common type of whiplash injury, called Whiplash Associated Disorder grade II (WADII), is traditionally viewed as a musculoskeletal condition without overt nerve injury. Consequently, treatments for WADII are largely focused on treating the musculoskeletal nature or psychological factors (e.g., NSAIDs, physiotherapy, reassurance). However, these interventions have at best small effects with up to 50% of patients developing persistent pain. There is, however, a growing body of evidence suggesting that some patients with WADII may exhibit neural pathology and neuroinflammation, potentially contributing to their symptoms. In this plenary, I will synthesise this evolving body of evidence and present data from our recent longitudinal cohort study supporting a neural contribution to WADII. Reframing whiplash through a neural lens offers new insights into its mechanisms and opens the door to more targeted assessment and management strategies.

Guest speakers

Perspectives of a funding partner – the future of research partnerships
Gaenor Walker
Acting Insurance Commissioner, Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) Queensland

Drawing on data insights from statutory insurance schemes, including the National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland, Gaenor will outline the strategic imperatives driving funding and the critical link between research and real-world outcomes. Gain insight into how sustainable, system-focused approaches can deliver meaningful, long-term benefits for people injured on Queensland roads.

Brain injury rehabilitation and innovation in Queensland - TBA
Professor Fatima Nasrallah
Professorial Research Fellow, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland

Fatima is a neuroscientist with a background in magnetic resonance imaging and interdisciplinary brain research, whose work focuses on identifying the fundamental mechanisms triggered following traumatic brain injury.  

Program

The program will showcase research addressing whiplash, chronic pain management, and rehabilitation after brain injury, including vocational and communication outcomes. Together, these presentations will examine how research can be translated into systems, services and care that improve outcomes for people recovering from injury.

The full program will be released soon. 
 

Canapé reception

The day will conclude with a canapé reception, providing an opportunity to connect with colleagues, continue conversations from the program, and build new collaborations across research, clinical practice and policy.