Connecting Research, Collaboration and Impact at The Hopkins Centre Meet & Mingle Event

Researchers, clinicians, people with lived experience and community members recently came together at The Hopkins Centre's latest Meet & Mingle networking event on the 13 May at Griffith University’s South Bank campus. The evening celebrated the theme, “Spotlighting Translation Outcomes of Hopkins Centre Research”, showcasing the real-world impact of seed-funded projects and fostering meaningful conversations around rehabilitation research, innovation and collaboration.

The interactive event featured a guided “exhibit-style” research program, where attendees moved through a series of research stations to hear directly from project teams about their work, findings and translation outcomes. The presentations highlighted how Hopkins Centre seed funding is supporting practical resources, service improvements and knowledge translation initiatives that are making a difference for people living with spinal cord injury, acquired brain injury and other rehabilitation needs.

Featured presentations included research exploring complications following flap surgery for people with spinal cord injury, presented by Dr Evgeniya Zakharova-Lunev; a project examining how patients personalise inpatient neurorehabilitation rooms to support wellbeing and recovery, presented by Dr Mike Norwood and Chelsea Marsh; and work focused on co-producing resources to improve information access and decision-making for people with spinal cord injury in Queensland, presented by Dr Kelsey Chapman and Dr Kelly Clanchy.
Attendees also heard from Louise Bassingthwaighte and Izak Hollins about research investigating the experiences of navigating rail transport after acquired brain injury, highlighting opportunities to improve accessibility and community participation.

In addition to the guided presentations, the evening provided opportunities for attendees to explore emerging projects and additional seed grant outcomes displayed throughout the venue, while connecting with fellow researchers, clinicians and community partners over networking and refreshments.

The event was an enjoyable evening for all and highlighted The Hopkins Centre’s ongoing commitment to collaborative, translational research that improves health, rehabilitation and participation outcomes for people living with injury and disability.