ProfessorNicola Kayes

Nicola is Professor of Rehabilitation, Associate Dean of Research in the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences and Co-Director of the Centre for Person Centred Research (PCR). PCR is a transdisciplinary research centre based in the Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute and School of Clinical Sciences. Their goal is to contribute to transformative change in rehabilitation policy and practice to optimise outcomes for people living with the enduring consequences of injury or illness.

Nicola is a mixed methods rehabilitation researcher and has published widely in person-centred rehabilitation, self-management, engagement. co-design, and implementation science. With a background in health psychology. Nicola's specific research expertise draws insights from the intersection between health psychology, disability, and rehabilitation – critically exploring how what we know about how people think, feel, behave, and respond in the context of injury and illness can inform structures and practices to optimise outcome.

Nicola actively contributes to the disability and rehabilitation sector in New Zealand and globally. She has enduring partnerships with a diversity of rehabilitation providers throughout NZ, is a member of the Accident Compensation Corporation Scheme Advisory Panel, and an active member of the NZ Rehabilitation Association. Kayes has strong international partnerships with collaborations extending to Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Denmark, and Canada.