RECOVER Injury Research Centre

23/04/2026

Over the last 12 months, the Virtual Reality Wheelchair project team, led by VR Expert Dr Robert Cuthbert and consumer John (JJ) Hitchens (RAD Rollin All Day) , has worked with consumers and clinicians to co-design a virtual reality simulation game. The simulation allows people to trial different wheelchair types (front-, mid-, and rear-wheel drive) in different environments.

Last week, Robert, JJ, and Helen Gray were invited to meet with the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Accessibility Reference Group. The group includes consumers with lived experience of mobility, vision, and hearing impairments, as well as representatives from community organisations, and Queensland Government stakeholders.

The VR Wheelchair team shared insights from the co-design process and showcased the possibilities for VR simulation of accessible and inaccessible environments. We appreciated the opportunity to present to this experienced group. Their diverse perspectives on accessibility and enthusiasm for accessible public transport led to some insightful discussions.

Thanks to the Cross River Rail ARG for having us along.

20/04/2026

The Australian Pain Society's , series dives into a simple but powerful question: what’s one thing you wish people understood about your work? Dr Yanfei Xie talks about research she did at RECOVER on how the language we use changes people's perceptions of injury and its treatment.

3 likes, 1 comment. "Pains, strains, disorders: what’s the difference?"

14/04/2026

The VR Wheelchair team have been out and about showcasing the prototype simulation. Huge thanks to the team at Move Mobility for their feedback and for hosting us and RAD Rollin All Day

26/03/2026

Early bird tickets are now available for RECOVER's 2026 Symposium.
This year’s program brings together leading researchers and practitioners to share new insights from across RECOVER’s research streams, including advances in musculoskeletal injury management and technology‑enabled models of care.

We are delighted to welcome internationally recognised pain neuroscientist Professor Annina Schmid (University of Oxford) as our keynote speaker, who will present “Rethinking Whiplash Through a Neural Lens.”

The program also features guest presentations from Gaenor Walker, Queensland’s Acting Insurance Commissioner (MAIC), and Professor Fatima Nasrallah, MAIC Senior Research Fellow at the Queensland Brain Institute, whose work focuses on identifying the fundamental mechanisms triggered following traumatic brain injury.

More information at:
https://recover.centre.uq.edu.au/event/session/2282

26/03/2026

Thank you to Spinal Life Australia for hosting the prototype trials of the VR Wheelchair Project. It has been incredibly exciting working with JJ (RAD Rollin All Day ) and other Spinal Life members to co-design a power wheelchair simulation.

19/03/2026

"You wouldn't buy a car without test-driving it first, so why should a wheelchair be any different?" - John (JJ) Hitchens, VR Wheelchair Simulator consumer lead.

We're wrapping up trials on the Virtual Reality Wheelchair Simulator, so get in quick if you want to test-drive the prototype.

Thanks to the National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIISQ Agency) for funding, and Spinal Life Australia for support.

UQ Health RAD Rollin All Day

Physically trialling a motorised wheelchair is time-consuming and resource intensive, especially in a hospital environment. The UQ RECOVER Injury Research Centre sparked the idea of using VR to trial different types of power wheelchairs before committing to a purchase.

18/03/2026

It's Brain Awareness Week! 16–22 March 2026 🧠

Brain Awareness Week is a chance to learn why brain health matters and how brain diseases, disorders, and injuries affect millions of Australians.
Brain health is important at every stage of life. Taking small, proactive steps can help support your brain, reduce risk, and recognise changes earlier.
This year, the Brain Foundation is hosting a series of free live webinars with experts (Monday to Friday).

These sessions are a great opportunity to:
✔️ Learn about brain health and different brain conditions
✔️ Hear directly from experts
✔️ Ask questions and be part of the conversation

Find out more and register:
https://brainfoundation.org.au/brain-awareness-week/
Join the conversation and take a step toward better brain health.

18/03/2026

We’re creating a bold 15-year Science and Innovation Strategy to drive jobs, grow industries, attract investment, and tackle key challenges. Now’s your chance to share your ideas and make an impact!

📄 Contribute to the Ideas into Impact: Accelerating Science and Innovation for a Better Future discussion paper.
📅 Consultation closes 31 March 2026.
💻 Submit your feedback: https://bit.ly/4aDlxcq or email ScienceandInnovation@detsi.qld.gov.au.

Join our workshops and webinars across Queensland to co-design this transformative strategy:

➕General consultation sessions
📍 Brisbane: Tuesday, 24th March 2026 - https://bit.ly/4sP8ivx
📍 Sunshine Coast: Tuesday 31st March 2026 - https://bit.ly/474YdCl
💻 Rural and Remote Queenslanders - Virtual: 30th March 2026 - https://bit.ly/4lDxJOm

➕First Nations deep dive sessions
📍Brisbane: Friday, 27th March (8.30am - 10:30am) - The Precinct, Fortitude Valley - https://bit.ly/4uznxKw
💻 Virtual: Friday, 27th March - https://bit.ly/3N4KyEA

RSVP today and help shape Queensland’s innovation future 👉 https://bit.ly/4aDlxcq

17/03/2026

What's next in VR research at RECOVER? We're working on a VR program to help wheelchair users manage falls. RECOVER's Robert Cuthbert and Director Trevor Russell are working with Kathryn Marshall (project lead), Jacki Liddle, and the UQ Spinal Cord Injury Advisory Group on the co-designed program.

The State Government is investing in new research which will use virtual reality (VR) to help people practise how to manage falls and navigate everyday env...

26/02/2026

Thanks to everyone who came out to the STARS Consumer Showcase yesterday. We spent a beautiful morning out on the terrace lawn, celebrating the amazing research done in partnership with health consumers. The passion, perspective, lived experience, and unique skillsets that our consumer partners bring to research projects really are the 'secret sauce.'

Huge thanks to Dr Kimberley Baxter from the STARS Education and Research Alliance for organising the event.

Pictured: Helen Gray, Rachel Cobcroft (RECOVER Consumer Advisory Group), William McCann (NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Better Health Outcomes for Compensable Injury ); Dr Lisa Anemaat ( STARS Education and Research Alliance); and the beautiful terrace lawn and stall holders at the Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) where we are based.

19/02/2026

Congratulations to Dr Clare Burns and team, who were awarded a research grant to "Co-design a virtual reality supermarket (VRSupermarket) for multidisciplinary rehabilitation."
Immersive VR allows patients to practice skills and activities relevant to their rehabilitation goals, while still being supported by their clinician. The VRSupermarket will join a suite of VR tools for rehabilitation, which to date include a coffee shop, home, and transport hub.

We are incredibly proud to announce the newest recipients of our RBWH Foundation Grants! ✨

These grants have been awarded to support groundbreaking research and innovative patient care initiatives that have the power to transform health outcomes and advance the future of care.

A big congratulations to all our recipients! We can't wait to see the inspiring and meaningful impact your work brings. 💪🏼

12/12/2025

🚨 Calling Men Over 45 or Living in Remote Areas! 🧠💬
We’re conducting a research project to understand why men often don’t use digital mental health support services—and how we can make these tools more helpful.

📋 What’s involved?
A confidential one-hour chat (online or in-person) about your experiences and thoughts on digital support for men doing it tough.
You don’t need to have used apps or online services before—your perspective matters!

💡 Why participate?
Your insights will help shape better mental health support for men across Australia.

✅ Who can join?
Men 45 years or older, OR
Men living in a remote area
Have felt stressed, anxious, or down at some point
⏱️ Time commitment: Up to 1 hour
🔒 Confidential and anonymous
🎁 Reimbursement: $75 gift card
📌 Interested?

Sign up here: https://uniofqueensland.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4PmjoFv0eRAbyZM

Or learn more via UQ’s official research volunteer page:
https://partners-community.uq.edu.au/get-involved/volunteer-research-study/barriers-and-facilitators-access-and-engagement-digital-mental-health-services-priority-populations

Please share this post or tag someone who might be interested. Your voice can make a difference.