Robert van Deursen

With deep sadness, the School of Healthcare Sciences at Cardiff University announces the death of Robert van Deursen, an esteemed colleague, mentor, and friend, who left an indelible mark on the field of healthcare research and rehabilitation science.

Robert embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy in the Netherlands (1981), followed by a Master of Science in Human Movement Sciences at the Free University in Amsterdam (1994), and a PhD in Kinesiology at Penn State University, USA (1997). He joined the University of Wales College of Medicine (UWCM) as a Senior Lecturer in 1998, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

At that time, the Physiotherapy team at UWCM was renowned for its teaching but lacked a strong research profile. Dr Iris Musa, responsible for the department's research, met Robert in London, where he was being recruited by King’s College. She together with Professor Nigel Palastanga managed to persuade him to visit Cardiff, where he eventually joined the staff. Robert played a pivotal role in advancing research within the school and establishing the movement analysis laboratory, known as the Research Centre for Clinical Kinesiology. This centre has hosted numerous BSc, MSc, PhD, and Postdoctoral studies and has also been used for funded research projects including testing a novel virtual reality therapy for military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, in which Robert was actively involved.

Drawing on his academic and clinical expertise, Robert established a robust programme of physiotherapy and human movement research, and under his leadership, this programme and the Research Centre for Clinical Kinesiology became an internationally renowned centre of excellence. He was a key member of the cross-disciplinary Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis bringing in international collaborations including Professor Ilse Jonkers from KU Leuven and Professor Kathryn Refshauge from International College of Management in Sydney. Reflecting these and other accomplishments Robert was awarded a personal chair in 2008, becoming Professor of Rehabilitation Science.

Robert's research interests included the prevention and rehabilitation of lower limb complications due to diabetic neuropathy, mobility problems in chronic neurological disease, and rehabilitation of knee injury and spine pain. The effect of exercise on patients was a common thread in his research. His dedication to advancing these fields was recognised when he was appointed Director of Physiotherapy at Cardiff University and became the research lead for the School of Healthcare Studies.

Robert was at the heart of research in healthcare sciences, leading the school's highly successful submissions to the Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing, and Pharmacy panels in Research Excellence Framework exercises in 2014 and 2021. His international outlook, compassion, and commitment to social justice made him a cherished colleague and friend. He was known for his engaging tea-fuelled conversations about global events and people, his love of nature, and his dedication to the outdoors where he enjoyed long walks and cycling.

After returning to the Netherlands following his retirement, Robert, with his wife Everdien, nurtured a green garden and renovated their home using eco-friendly methods. He built his own sheds, irrigation system and contributed to his community by providing energy advice. Robert also channelled his scholarly skills into tracing and publishing the wartime diary of his father, detailing his experiences in the occupied Netherlands during World War II.

Robert was a member of the International Society of Biomechanics (ISB) from 1998, involved in biomechanics applied to the clinical field of rehabilitation. His dual background in clinical and biomechanical fields gave him a unique perspective, bridging the gap between these disciplines. He was passionate about making biomechanics more accessible for clinical research, developing relevant methods and procedures to produce robust evidence.

Robert van Deursen's legacy will live on through his significant contributions to the field of healthcare sciences, the many students, and colleagues he mentored, and the profound impact he had on everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

Dr Liba Sheeran and Professor Ben Hannigan on behalf of the School of Healthcare Sciences