Hopkins Centre Researchers Contribute to National OT Conference 2025

Researchers from The Hopkins Centre were proud to contribute to the 31st National Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) Conference and Exhibition, held from June 25–27, 2025, at the Adelaide Convention Centre. This year’s conference theme, “Collaborate and Connect,” emphasised the importance of partnerships—within the occupational therapy profession and across broader healthcare sectors—to drive innovation and improve outcomes for individuals and communities.

Hopkins Centre research staff Tenelle Hodson and Louise Gustafsson, showcased research posters titled 'Toursim experiences of people with a spinal cord injury: A photovoice study of the Gold Coast region' and 'Addressing the unknown of hospital to home: Co-designing a technology solution'.

        

 

Stacey James and Louise Bassingthwaite also presented their research work, reflecting a commitment to evidence-based practice and knowledge translation in occupational therapy. Their contributions were well received and aligned with key themes of collaboration, client-centred care, and multidisciplinary research.    

A highlight of the event was the recognition of Louise Bassingthwaite, who was awarded Best Paper for her paper 'On-road driving remediation: Achieving and maintaining fitness to drive following brain injury'. Her research, supported by a Hopkins Centre Seed Grant and a Metro South Health and Hospital Service (MSHHS) grant, demonstrated the real-world impact of early-stage research funding and cross-sector support.   

The OTA National Conference is Australia’s premier event for occupational therapy professionals, drawing clinicians, researchers, educators, and students from across the country. The program featured keynote speakers, interactive workshops, research presentations, and poster sessions, offering attendees valuable opportunities to share knowledge, build networks, and advance the profession.

Participation in this national event reinforces The Hopkins Centre’s commitment to high-quality allied health research and its ongoing focus on improving the lives of people with disability, injury, and chronic health conditions through collaborative research, innovation, and practice.