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About

Duncan L. Turner is a leading neuroscientist and rehabilitation researcher whose work sits at the intersection of motor neuroscience, neurorehabilitation, and robotic-assisted therapy. His research has profoundly advanced our understanding of how the brain and nervous system adapt following stroke and other central nervous system injuries, with a particular focus on upper limb recovery and motor learning. Turner is perhaps best known for his leadership of the landmark RATULS (Robot Assisted Training for the Upper Limb after Stroke) multicentre randomised controlled trial, which has accumulated nearly 500 citations since its 2019 publication and remains one of the most rigorous clinical investigations into robotic rehabilitation to date. His broader RATULS programme—spanning protocol design, clinical outcomes, and economic evaluation—has provided the field with comprehensive evidence on the real-world value of robot-assisted training compared to conventional therapies within the NHS. Beyond clinical trials, Turner has made significant contributions to understanding the neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning motor adaptation, including the role of primary motor cortex stimulation via tDCS in internal model formation and the use of intermuscular coherence to decode muscle coordination during robotic training. His work connecting resting-state brain connectivity to adaptive motor capacity further highlights his integrative, systems-level approach to understanding rehabilitation. His research continues to shape evidence-based practice in stroke neurorehabilitation worldwide.