This event has been postponed until further notice. We apologise for any inconvenience.


We are proud to present the Inaugural Professorial Lecture of Professor Sara Demain.

Many of us are notoriously bad at following healthcare recommendations. This is particularly pertinent in physiotherapy and rehabilitation because these recommendations may include engaging with tasks like exercise or balance training, which may be difficult, painful or frightening.

There has been considerable research exploring patient adherence, most of which focuses on trying to change patient beliefs and behaviours. But could there be more effective ways to work with patients towards their recovery?

In this insightful lecture, Professor Sara Demain, Head of the School of Health Professions, turns the perspective around to examine how healthcare professionals can make rehabilitation interventions something that patients can and want to do, improving their likelihood of adhering to their recommendations.

Sara, who specialises in neurological rehabilitation and physiotherapy, explores the broad spectrum of rehabilitation and self-management, including how health services and professionals can make patients and their families feel, and also how technology such as apps, games and robots used in patient rehabilitation can be improved for better user experiences.

The ultimate aim of her research is to guide the design of rehabilitation and self-management services and interventions that are truly patient-centred; that deliver outcomes that matter to patients in ways that are easy for them to engage with.

You are welcome to join us for University of Plymouth's Inaugural Professorial Lecture series, which provide a milestone event in a professorial career. Through these we can promote and celebrate the academic reputation and achievements within their research.

Need-to-know
This event is open to the public and free to attend. We recommend reserving your place using the above link to guarantee a seat.

Research in physiotherapy

We have a strong research ethos which informs our teaching. Teaching staff within the school are research active nationally and internationally and publish in peer reviewed journals.

The Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research is home to a number of research groups, which you are encouraged to join.

Find out more about our research
Healthcare long-term conditions

Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research

From basic research discovering the causes of disease, through to evaluating novel ways of delivering care to the most vulnerable people in society, our thriving community conducts adventurous world-leading research.

Transformation in life course, ageing, methodologies, e-health, technology and interventions in health, social care, lifestyle and wellbeing.

Find out more about our research
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Public Research Programme

The year-long programme of public events showcases our research across a spectrum of topics. It presents the Inaugural Professorial Lecture series which celebrates the achievements of our academics who have been awarded their professorship; providing a platform for which they can share insights into their esteemed research.
All are welcome to join us as our academics open the door to the intriguing world of research, inviting you to learn more about the fascinating work taking place across the University.
Roland Levinsky Building at night