Allied Health Research and Knowledge Translation Lead, Peninsula Health and Senior Researcher in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Monash University.
Research focus: improving how healthcare services deliver rehabilitation care, particularly for people who have had a stroke.
Dr Laura Jolliffe is a recipient of our 2024 Early and Mid-Career Researcher Award for health services research. This award recognises early and mid-career researchers for excellence in their field. Monash Partners spoke to Laura upon accepting this award.
Can you tell us about yourself, your research and career journey to date?
I’m an occupational therapist by training and currently the Allied Health Research Lead at Peninsula Health, as well as a senior researcher in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Monash University. My career has evolved from frontline clinical practice in neurorehabilitation to a focus on health services research, where I aim to bridge the gap between evidence-based practice and everyday clinical care. Early on, I recognised that while we often know “what” works in rehabilitation, the real challenge is figuring out “how” to integrate that knowledge into clinical care. My PhD explored strategies to implement evidence-based guidelines in rehabilitation settings, and since then, I’ve been dedicated to fostering a research culture within allied health teams, mentoring clinician researchers, and strengthening collaborations with universities, research centres, and community partners.
Can you tell us about your achievements in the category of health services research?
In health services research, my primary achievement has been building the capacity and culture of allied health research within a large health network. I’ve helped embed research as a key component of allied health roles at Peninsula Health, established clear governance pathways for new projects, and advocated for measurable targets around research priorities in allied health. My work has also involved collaborating on national and international funded studies; positioning Peninsula Health as a partnering organisation for large-scale rehabilitation trials. These efforts have translated into practical changes in how we deliver rehabilitation—whether it’s evaluating new models of care in the community or implementing programs to reduce hospital-related harms.
Why is support of early and mid-career researchers so important?
Early and mid-career researchers (EMCRs) represent the future of healthcare innovation, and build upon the work of their senior colleagues. They bring fresh perspectives, new methodologies, and the energy needed to tackle emerging challenges. However, without the right support—such as dedicated time for research, mentorship, and pathways to funding—the potential of EMCRs often goes unrealised. By investing in their development, we ensure a pipeline of skilled leaders who will continually question the status quo, refine clinical practices, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
What kind of support was the most beneficial to you/or you felt you needed as an early and mid-career researcher and what did it mean to you?
I’ve found both senior and peer mentorship to be incredibly helpful. Senior researchers have offered valuable insights that shaped my approach to research, ultimately helping me build skill and confidence. Meanwhile, peers who face similar challenges provide a supportive network for exchanging ideas, solving problems, and celebrating each other’s successes. Institutional support—such as dedicated research time, access to essential software/resources, and opportunities for external collaborations—has also played a significant role in my development. Together, these sources of guidance, resources, and recognition not only nurture my professional growth but also affirm the value of my contributions.
Why do you think awards like this are important for Early and Mid-Career Researchers?
Awards highlight the significance of the work completed by EMCRs, highlighting their contribution in healthcare. Recognition from peers and professional bodies helps raise their profile, which can lead to new collaborations, funding, and leadership opportunities. Awards such as these serve as a tangible endorsement of a researcher’s vision, reassuring them, and their teams, that their efforts are making a meaningful difference.
What are your future aspirations for your research/career?
Looking ahead, I hope to continue building research capacity where allied health professionals are empowered and supported to pursue their own research questions. I want to strengthen consumer-partnered research, ensuring that consumers and their families actively shape rehabilitation strategies and models of care. Additionally, I see great value in exploring alternative service models—like bed substitution models of care and community-based rehabilitation—that deliver equitable, evidence-based care outside of traditional hospital settings.
