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Opportunities

Opportunities

Opportunities for Involvement

Dear ASSBI colleagues,

There are a lot of your colleagues out there wanting your help, have a look and see if you can help out.

ASSBI Student Network

Every year, there is a call for applications to join the ASSBI Student Network, inviting  students across all health disciplines in Australia and New Zealand who would like to be a part of the Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment (ASSBI) student community. Undergraduate and postgraduate students from all universities across Australia and New Zealand are encouraged to apply, as well as across all disciplines (e.g., Speech Pathology, Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Medicine, Social Work, Psychiatry, Physiotherapy). To apply for 2026 please go to the Student Page

More information will be made available once applications open, including descriptions of the positions that will be available. Applications typically open in October each year.

We suggest you subscribe to the ASSBI student newsletter to receive the latest updates as to when applications open! You can also view the ‘Student Ambassadors’ tab of the ASSBI website to see the current members of the ASSBI Student Network.

Please direct any questions about the ASSBI Student Network to the new National Student Coordinator, Rhianne Hoffman, via email to Rhianne.hoffman@uon.edu.au

ASSBI Lived Experience Sub-Committee

ASSBI is currently seeking members to join this sub-committee. The purpose of this subcommittee is to strengthen the voice of lived experience in research and clinical practice with people with brain conditions and their significant others/carers. This will be achieved through:

  • sharing their knowledge, experience and recommendations for increasing inclusion of people with brain conditions in research, practice and training
  • supporting consideration of other people’s experience of brain conditions
  • attending meetings and other events conducted through ASSBI to increase the voice of people with lived experience in ASSBI’s activities.

Membership will be for a term of 3 years with members appointed by the ASSBI Committee. The Sub-committee will meet quarterly or as required.

If you are interested in joining the Lived Experience sub-committee or nominating someone else to participate please contact ASSBI via admin@assbi.com.au and provide the following details:-

- Name
- Email
- Home Postcode
- Indication of Lived Experience: please indicate whether you or your nominee:
            - have a diagnosed brain condition
            - are a significant other/carer of someone with a brain condition
- A brief summary (25 words or less) of what you/your nominee can contribute to the committee.

Please note that in addition to lived experience, we are also seeking to bring diversity to the committee including culturally and linguistically diverse; rural and remote; Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander; sexuality and gender diverse.

Talking Heads Feasibility Trial

We are currently recruiting for Talking Heads, a feasibility trial evaluating a co-designed, accessible psychoeducation package for young stroke survivors and their close others (family, friends, partners). We would appreciate your support in identifying and referring suitable participants.

About the study
Talking Heads was co-designed with young stroke survivors, family members, and clinicians to address unmet needs relating to mood, cognition, fatigue, identity, adjustment, and relationships. It includes tip sheets, short videos, podcasts, and online information sessions via Zoom. The study will examine the acceptability, usability, and potential impact of the package.

Eligible participants
Young stroke survivors who:

  • Had a stroke, TIA, or minor stroke between 18–45 years of age
  • Are 1 month – 10 years post-stroke
  • Live anywhere in Australia - we welcome participants from regional, rural or remote areas
  • Have a device capable of access to the internet. If they do not have internet access, we can provide that for them.
  • Would like information and/or support for cognitive, emotional, fatigue-related or adjustment-related difficulties
  • Can provide consent independently or with support

We are intentionally recruiting individuals often underrepresented in stroke research, including those with aphasia, cognitive impairment, low health literacy, or who live in regional/rural communities.

Close others (family/friends/partners) may also participate alongside the survivor. They are eligible if they are at least 18 years old and can access a device capable of connecting to the internet.

What participation involves

  • Online baseline measures (self-directed or supported by a researcher trained in communication support techniques)
  • 12-week access to the Talking Heads website containing tip sheets, videos, and podcasts
  • Optional attendance at monthly online information sessions over Zoom
  • Post-intervention measures + qualitative interview

Participation is entirely online. Support is available to accommodate cognitive, communication, sensory or motor needs.

Why refer? 

  • The program targets significant unmet needs in young stroke survivors
  • Resources are co-designed and clinically aligned with stepped-care models
  • Findings will inform implementation planning and future clinical trials and service development
  • Participants may benefit from improved understanding, strategies, and support

How to refer
Please share this flyer with eligible patients, which contains details of how to express interest in study participation. If they need your help to express interest, you can contact the Talking Heads research team directly:

Email: talkingheads@latrobe.edu.au Phone: 03 9479 1679

Thank you for your support in improving care pathways for people navigating life after stroke.

Dana Wong on behalf of the research team (Nick Sathananthan, Emma Power, Rene Stolwyk, Ian Kneebone, Michaela Grech, Toni Withiel, Eirini Kontou, Adrian O’Malley, Brooke Conoley & Maddy Green)

Social Brain Toolkit Virtual Clinic: Survey study

Researchers in the ABI Communication Lab at the University of Sydney are working on a new way to support people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in building their communication skills: the Social Brain Toolkit Virtual Clinic. People with TBI will work alongside speech pathology students, guided by our experienced educators. The clinic will be online and open to English-speaking adults in Australia living with TBI.  

Our team is conducting a survey study to help with planning the new clinic. The survey takes about 20-30 minutes to complete. The survey asks people about what activities would be useful, what problems they think could happen with the clinic, and what ideas would help the clinic
to run well. Survey participants can also let us know if they would like to hear about our follow-up research about this new clinic. We plan to run co-design workshops and then launch the clinic. 

The survey is open to:  Adults (18 years or older) in Australia  

People with TBI, their family members, student speech pathologists, 
and rehabilitation clinicians 

This study has been approved by the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (2025/HE001459). You can review the participant information statement and access the survey at: https://tinyurl.com/TBI-VC-Survey.
Please contact Dr Rachael Rietdijk at rachael.rietdijk@sydney.edu.au if you have any questions about the study.

Co-Design an AI Conversational Agent: Invitation to Participate in Workshops

The University of Sydney Acquired Brain Injury Communication Lab is running a research study exploring how AI can support student learning in communication with people who have acquired brain injury (ABI). We’re inviting clinical educators in allied health to take part in co-design workshops that will help shape an AI conversational agent to support student communication training.

Taking part is completely voluntary, and your decision whether or not to participate will not affect your relationship with the University of Sydney.

This study has been approved by the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (2025/HE001467). You can review the Participant Information Statement and decide whether to take part here: https://sydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeuv93xiNJZHYiO 

If you have any questions, please contact Dr Petra Avramović via email at petra.avramovic@sydney.edu.au


Are you a health professional who works with stroke patients? Can you help with our research?

We are currently seeking health professionals in Australia who have current experience working with stroke patients to participate in this study with full ethics approval from Monash University (ID #32484).  You can access more information and express interest in this research by following this link (takes less than 2min): https://redcap.link/cogpoststroke

Participants will take part in an interview, and a researcher will ask questions about your experience and perception of working with stroke patients with cognitive impairment. Interviews are conducted either face-to-face or via videoconferencing. This is a chance to share your experience and help us understand what can be done to improve rehabilitation and care of stroke survivors in Australia.

Regards, A/Prof Rene Stolwyk, Dr Vincent Oxenham, Dr Elizabeth Lynch, Ms Miki Boneh

Child Apraxia of Speech Trial

We are researchers from the Speech and Language Group at Murdoch Children’s Institute. We’re conducting a trial of methylphenidate (Ritalin) as a possible intervention for Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). The study is open to 6–12-year-old children within 130km of MCRI who are either diagnosed with CAS or have suspected CAS, and elevated inattentive and/or hyperactive symptoms. Please find attached our study flyer for further information.

Interested participants can express their interest here: https://redcap.link/znct13io

Please feel free to be in touch with Prof Angela Morgan for any queries: angela.morgan@mcri.edu.au or (03) 8341 6458.

Angela Morgan and Elana Forbes

M.O.S.T-project: Meaningful Outcomes for School-aged kids with CCDs from TBI

We are trying to understand which treatment outcomes are most important for school-aged kids with cognitive-communication disorders (CCDs) arising from TBIs and their families.

In this project, we will interview children and teens with brain injuries and their parents. Interviews may last for up to 20 minutes. Interviews will happen over Zoom, meaning families can take part from home (or anywhere that is easiest for them!). 

Children and teens will suggest treatment outcomes to help a fictional character with a TBI.In their interviews, parents will be asked about what aspects of their child's communication and life they would most like to help following their TBI.

The results from the M.O.S.T project will be integrated with results from an international e-Delphi study to provide guidance for clinicians undertaking assessment and outcome measurement in clinical practice.

Children, teens and their families are eligible to take part, if:

  • They are between 5 - 18 years of age;
  • They have a cognitive-communication disorder or difficulties (CCD) following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) (or concussion);
  • They live in Australia.
This research study has ethical approval from The University of Queensland [2022/HE000609]. 

Interested families can visit https://swiy.co/UQMOSTProject to read more about our study and register their interest. Please don't hesitate to contact Dr Sarah Wallace (s.wallace3@uq.edu.au) or Lauren Crumlish  (Lauren.crumlish@uqconnect.edu.au) if any questions arise.

Current vocational rehabilitation practices of AHPs working traumatic injury in Australia

Principal Researcher Ms Yash Bedekar (Epworth) and co-investigators Dr Pamela Ross (MERRC), Prof Jennie Ponsford (MERRC), Dr Marina Downing (MERRC) and Dr Linda Barclay (Monash University)

Our study aims to identify current vocational rehabilitation practices of AHPs working traumatic injury in Australia, and their perceived vocational rehabilitation training needs. Based on the findings of our group's recent research into early vocational rehabilitation after major traumatic injury, and the results of the survey for this study, training will be developed, delivered and evaluated. 

Participation criteria: Qualified Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, Clinical Psychologists, Neuropsychologists, Exercise Physiologists and Social Workers, who are currently working in Australia, within traumatic injury rehabilitation. This includes traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and major orthopaedic trauma, including traumatic amputation.

Our study consists of two parts: 
Part 1: mapping survey as described above

Part 2: delivery and evaluation of vocational rehabilitation training as described above. 

Please find a link for the Participant Information Sheet and access to the online consent and Qualtrics mapping survey: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MJnFj5bIKALxw_X_dTSi6ZYFsdljpZKT/view?usp=drive_link

Within the Qualtrics survey, there are further links to information/consent for Part 2, and for qualitative interviews which we'd like to do with interested clinicians. 

Thank you for your consideration.

The Concussion Essentials Studies

Examining an individualised treatment, including education, physiotherapy & psychology for children and adolescents 8 – 18 years who have persisting symptoms following a concussion.

Study 1 - For children and adolescents less than 3 weeks post-concussion 8-week treatment vs. Usual Care

Study 2 - For children and adolescents 3 to 12 months post-concussion 12-week treatment

Plus, all participants receive

  • concussion-targeted physiotherapy assessment,
  • neuropsychology assessment, and
  • symptom monitoring

Where?

The Royal Children’s Hospital, or Mt Waverley location Face-to-Face and telehealth appointments available

Interested?

Patients: Contact the study team for more information
E: takecare@mcri.edu.au
Ph: 0423 188 247

Health professionals: Refer by visiting https://redcap.link/concussion

Occupational therapy researchers at La Trobe University are seeking survey participants for a study exploring how occupational therapists treat behavioural changes to optimise participation for people living with brain injury

You may qualify if  

  • You are an AHPRA accredited occupational therapist  
  • You work, or have worked within the last 2 years, with adults living with brain injury and behavioural changes  
Participation involves 
If you decide to take part in the research, you would be asked to: 
Reimbursement for participation 

If you would like more information or are interested in being part of the study, please contact Ana Brown: ana.brown@latrobe.edu.au
Survey link:

Complete a 15-minute survey, online 

Your decision to participate in research is voluntary. 

There are no additional costs associated with participation in this research study, nor will you or the participant be paid. 

https://redcap.latrobe.edu.au/redcap/surveys/?s=AJFF3NP7T8YDDD7E

Treatment for Persisting Post-Concussion Symptoms in Adults

We are trialling an 8-week inter-disciplinary intervention including neuropsychology, physiotherapy, and medicine disciplines for persisting symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury/concussion. The treatment is free of charge for all participants and is taking place in Melbourne.

Participants will receive one of two management regimes – (1) a full assessment (neuropsychology and physiotherapy) and psychoeducation or (2) a full assessment and interdisciplinary treatment.

We are looking for participants who:

  • Have had a mild traumatic brain injury/concussion within the past 2 weeks-to-24 months
  • Have persisting post-concussion symptoms (at least 2 weeks post-injury, but less than 24 months post injury)
  • Are aged between 16-70 years
  • Have adequate English language
  • Do not have an acute psychiatric condition, active substance use, or significant neurological history

Interested?

If you or anyone you know might be interested in participating, contact Jack Nguyen or Stephanie Antonopoulos on 9426 8923 or by email at spp-irecover@monash.edu for more information. We welcome self-referrals and clinician referrals. 

This study is approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC no. 23005).

Are you a person with acquired brain injury (ABI), family member, clinician, or researcher? Help us develop resources to support coping with self-harm and suicide after ABI.

Our research team at Monash University has been investigating people with acquired brain injury’s (ABI) experiences of suicide and self-harm. People with ABI face a greater risk of suicide than the general population and commonly experience self-harm behaviours. We want to learn how to better support people with ABI with these experiences, to work toward developing clear strategies and resources for people with ABI, their family members, and clinicians.

We are seeking people with ABI, their close others, and clinicians/researchers to take part in a one-on-one interview, to explore needs in coping with, or supporting someone through, self-harm and suicide. You may access more information and express interest in this research here: https://redcap.link/2qi59v7d

Please contact Jill Hwang (Jill.Hwang@monash.edu) or Jao Carminati (Jao.Carminati@monash.edu) should you be interested, or if you have any questions.


EMCR Survey
The Australasian Society of Bipolar & Depressive Disorders (ASBDD) EMCR sub-committee would like to hear your thoughts relating to your professional development goals and areas of research interest. Your feedback is crucial as it will help us better understand the needs of EMCRs working in the area of bipolar and depressive disorders, and help inform the direction of ASBDD EMCR activities. The survey takes around 3 minutes to complete. Your responses will remain confidential and the information provided will only be used for ASBDD communication purposes, including notifications of future events and professional development opportunities.

Take survey here

Improving outcomes for people with a concussion: the AUS-mTBI study and app using HeadCheck

The Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment (ASSBI) is proud to be a key partner in the Australian Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (AUS-mTBI) study; a national endeavour that is developing an online tool to improve care and recovery for people who suffer a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion.

While most people recover fully within a few days or weeks after a concussion injury, for some, the recovery process may be longer. A major problem is that there is currently no way to predict how long recovery will take.

The AUS-mTBI study will identify what predicts recovery after concussion by analysing data collected through the AUS-mTBI part of the HeadCheck app, an evidence-based concussion management app. The app can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play, or accessed via the web-based platform at https://app.headcheck.com.au/home.

The AUS-mTBI study via HeadCheck aims to recognise and assist in the management of any suspected concussion, for both adults and children. The study is open to people who have had a concussion in the past 14 days. Participants should enter information into the online platform directly; if you are clinician working with someone who has had a concussion, we encourage you to support them to enter in this information.

By clicking on the link to the AUS-mTBI study in HeadCheck, participants can help improve care and outcomes for others who get a concussion in the future. Participants will also be able to get guidance and track their own recovery through a unique symptom tracking tool.

To thank participants for completing the study, they will go into a draw with the chance to win one of five Visa gift cards (see the AUS-mTBI website for details – https://tinyurl.com/4aphncrn).

The AUS-mTBI study is being led by John Curtin Distinguished Professor Melinda Fitzgerald. Project partners include Curtin University, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Monash University, Edith Cowan University, The Queensland Brain Institute, Griffith University, The University of Sydney, Deakin University, the National Imaging Facility, brain injury organisation Synapse Australia Limited, and software company Curve Tomorrow.

If you have any questions or would like further information about the AUS-mTBI study, please visit the AUS-mTBI websiteor email the study team on ausmtbi@gmail.com.

Have you worked with people with post-stroke aphasia who have return to work goals?

Medical professionals and health practitioners are invited to participate in a brief online survey about current clinical practice and views of professionals when working with individuals with post-stroke aphasia who have return to work goals.

The survey has been designed to align to your identified profession to minimize the time required for completion. When piloted the survey, it was completed in 10-15 minutes. Findings of this survey will contribute to our understanding of work-focussed rehabilitation and inform future projects to optimize meaningful work outcomes for people with aphasia.

For further information please click link or QR code below for the Patient Information Sheet, access to online consent and the online survey:

https://uniofqueensland.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d5dn6zgiFoWLYW2

You are welcome to forward this survey invitation to your colleagues and relevant networks. The survey has UQ HREC ethical approval no. 2024/HE001145. 

Researchers:

Ms Penni Burfeina,b, Dr Emmah Doigb, Prof David Coplanda,b
a Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
b Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) Education and Research Alliance, The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane, Australia. 

Aims:
We want to understand more about:

  • Current practices and views of professionals across the care continuum (from acute care to the community) when working with individuals with post-stroke aphasia who have return to work goals.
  • Current practices and views of medical or authorized professionals to determine fitness or readiness for RTW.
  • Clinicians’ perspectives regarding confidence, knowledge as well as barriers and facilitators when delivering vocationally focussed services (including RTW co-ordination or case management) to people with post-stroke aphasia.

Eligibility criteria:
To be eligible to participate in the study participants need to meet all four of the following criteria, by selecting each box that applies during the online consent process.

  1. I am a qualified medical officer or health practitioner (speech pathologist, occupational therapist, clinical psychologist, neuropsychologist, physiotherapist, social worker, clinical linguist and/or return to work co-ordinator or counsellor).
  2. I have experience working with people with post-stroke aphasia in the last five years who have identified return to work goals at any time on the care continuum (from acute to community services).
  3. I work within a public, private, self-employed and/or research setting in a discipline specific or case management role.
  4. I have sufficient English proficiency and technology skills to complete this written survey.

If you would like to discuss the study with a member of the research team, please contact p.burfein@uqconnect.edu.au or via phone on +617 3365 7595.

Thank you for considering supporting and participating in this research.

 


Editorial Board -
Call for Expressions of Interest for the Editorial Board of Brain Impairment

The Editorial Board is the backbone of the journal, and Editorial Board members fullfill a range of important roles in addition to peer-reviewing manuscripts. These include promoting the journal to colleagues, developing ideas for special issues, advising the editorial team, and encouraging others to submit their high quality work to Brain Impairment.

We are currently expanding the Editorial Board of the journal and invite expressions of interest from ASSBI members and researchers in relevant fields. In particular, we aim to grow the Editorial Board to include more members of the international brain injury research community to match the growth in manuscript submissions from other countries. 

To submit an expression of interest please email your CV to the editors, Jenny (j.fleming@uq.edu.au) and Grahame (Grahame.Simpson@health.nsw.gov.au).

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