A new network connected to the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) is bringing together technology experts to develop next-generation solutions to transform clinical rehabilitation.
The Rehabilitation Technologies Network+ was launched on 31 March 2022, with an online event for academics, clinical professionals, scientists and engineers.
Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the network is jointly led by Loughborough University and the University of Nottingham. Its ambition is to create a world-class research community to develop novel and innovative rehabilitation technologies for more effective treatments that will help to improve patient outcomes.
These technologies will provide a pipeline of innovations to be integrated at the NRC.
Central to the network will be a series of ‘Grand Challenge Workshops’ to identify critical areas for research. The first of these workshops will focus on ‘Transformative Technologies for Cardiorespiratory Rehabilitation’ and will take place over a number of sessions (both online and in person) in late June and early July. Funding will be made available for interdisciplinary feasibility studies arising from these workshops.
Ruth Goodridge, Professor in Additive Manufacturing at the University of Nottingham who leads the network, said: “There is real potential for technology to transform clinical rehabilitation. Through the NRC, we have a fantastic opportunity to integrate next-generation technology, and I’m extremely excited to use this network to develop novel approaches which can create more effective rehabilitation programmes and ultimately improve patient outcomes. If you are interested in this field, I’d encourage you to get involved and attend our upcoming workshops.”
Professor Mark Lewis, Dean of Loughborough University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, said: “The NRC will be a purpose built state-of-the-art new facility which lends itself perfectly to incorporating new technologies and equipment into rehabilitation programmes. We’re extremely excited for Loughborough University to be co-leading this new network and look forward to the benefits it will provide the NRC.”