Professor Kathryn Refshauge OAM

Professor Kathryn Refshauge OAM FAHMS MAICD is an accomplished leader in the health sciences sector, with a distinguished career spanning academic, clinical, and research roles. She is Co-Director of the Brain and Mind Centre, a research institute at the University of Sydney. Her previous roles include past Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Sydney, Chair at South West Sydney Research, a NSW Health hub, and she remains an active member of several boards and committees within the NSW health sector. Her involvement extends to various national and international professional and research bodies.

Professor Refshauge has played a key role in the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s executive and has contributed to human research ethics committees. She was also involved in the Excellence in Research for Australia initiative. Her research integrates her expertise in physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, and physiology, aiming to improve health outcomes, particularly in musculoskeletal conditions. She has authored numerous publications on musculoskeletal health and developed best-practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of these conditions. Additionally, she holds several honorary professorial appointments and serves on the editorial board of leading international journals.

In recognition of her significant contributions, Professor Refshauge was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2016. She is also a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (FAHMS). In 2011, she received the national award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning from the Australian Learning and Teaching Council, along with the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research Student Supervision.

Professor Refshauge’s leadership and dedication to advancing health research and education continue to inspire the next generation of health professionals and researchers.

Qualifications: MBiomedE (UNSW); PhD (UNSW)