Research
Computational and neurobiological mechanisms of pain
This theme examines how pain is shaped by learning, expectation, attention, resilience, and neuroplasticity across the brain and body. My work combines computational modelling, experimental pain methods, EEG, and neuroimaging to understand why pain becomes persistent in some people, how cognitive and affective processes influence pain experience, and which mechanisms might explain individual differences in vulnerability or treatment response. Alongside longstanding work on nociceptive plasticity and cortical reorganisation, my current programme is increasingly focused on computational phenotyping, central sensitisation, and the neurobiological foundations of pain prediction and adaptation.
Programme areas:
• Computational neuroscience of nociceptive plasticity in chronic pain (Funder: Versus Arthritis)
• Markers of cortical reorganisation in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (Funders: EFIC-Grünenthal Grant; Pain Relief Foundation)
• The effects of mindfulness meditation on anticipation of pain (Funders: Mind and Life Institute; University of Manchester)
• Endogenous opioids and pain resilience (Funder: MRC)
Scalable neuromodulation and neurotherapeutics for pain
My research in this area focuses on developing non-invasive, scalable approaches to pain modulation that are grounded in experimental neuroscience but designed with real-world translation in mind. A central aim is to understand how sensory stimulation can be used to influence pain-related brain activity and, ultimately, to support the development of practical neurotherapeutic tools for acute and chronic pain. This includes work on alpha-range sensory entrainment, neurofeedback, and emerging dual-stimulation approaches that combine mechanistic precision with potential for home or clinic-based use. Recent programme development has emphasised target engagement, feasibility, and staged translation towards larger clinical and innovation-focused projects.
Programme areas:
• Pain analgesia via visual, auditory and tactile alpha-wave entrainment (Funders: EPSRC NewMind+; MRC CiC; MRC IAA)
• Neuro-feedback interventions in chronic pain (Funders: Dunhill Medical Trust; MRC CiC)
Prediction and optimisation of pain treatment pathways
A third strand of my research focuses on improving pain treatment pathways by identifying which factors predict outcome, who is most likely to benefit from different interventions, and how services can make better use of that information. This work is motivated by the need for more personalised, equitable, and clinically useful decision-making in pain care, particularly where outcomes are variable and current routine predictors are limited. Current and planned work in this area spans prognostic modelling, predictor enrichment, psychosocial assessment, and the development of more implementation-ready approaches to treatment stratification in settings such as pain management programmes and spinal surgery.
Programme areas:
• Psychological predictors of therapeutic success from spinal surgery for back pain (Funder: TRAP award, University of Liverpool)
• Predictors of outcome in pain management programmes (Funder: Pain Relief Foundation)