Professor (Research)
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Professor Kate Laver's research aims to maximise independence and quality of life in older people and people with disabilities. She co-designs, develops, implements and evaluates rehabilitation interventions and new models of care. She has extensive experience working with people with dementia and their families and has led research trials and developed national clinical practice guidelines in this field. She works collaboratively with health professionals and consumers to design and conduct high quality research that meets community needs. She is an experienced, registered occupational therapist.
Kate has a particular interest in the use of technology in health services (virtual care, telehealth, virtual reality). She has postgraduate qualifications in implementation science (UCSF) with expertise leading Australia-wide applied translational research projects.
Professor Laver was the founding Co-Chair of the FHMRI Consumer Advisory Board.
B App Sc (OT), M Clin Rehab, Certificate in Implementation Science (UCSF), PhD
Fellow of the Occupational Therapy Australia Research Academy
ARC Discovery Early Career Research Fellowship (DECRA), 2020
NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Development Fellowship, 2016
Norington Lecture Award, awarded by the Rehabilitation Medicine Society Australia and New Zealand, 2019
Flinders University Vice Chancellor's early career research prize, 2015
AICD - Foundations of Directorship, 2020
National Stroke Foundation New Investigator Award, 2011
Leads projects which test the efficacy of rehabilitation interventions or innovative models of care. Knowledge translation activities. Supervision of higher degree research students. Available to speak at community events.
Experienced in conducting research with patient and public involvement. Co-Chair of the FHMRI Consumer Advisory Board.
Member of the NHMRC Cognitive Decline Partnership Centre (with funding from Dementia Australia, Brightwater Care, HammondCare and Helping Hand Aged Care)
Collaborations with clinicians and non government aged care organisations
Registered occupational therapist and convenes interest group on care of older people for OT Australia
Associate Editor for the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal
Public presentations for community groups (eg Rotary Clubs)