Wim Dankaerts, is Professor in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation and member of the Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Unit, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Leuven where he teaches undergraduate and post graduate musculoskeletal physiotherapy, supervises higher degree research and conducts research in musculoskeletal pain disorders. Wim Dankaerts is a specialist in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, and is both a clinician and a researcher.

His extensive clinical experience over a period of more than 25 years generated a major research interest in chronic low back pain. Wim Dankaerts has published a total of 55 peer-reviewed articles, presented or participated in more than 50 conference papers, and been a key/invited speaker at more than 30 conferences. He received invitations from National Physiotherapy Associations to conduct clinical workshops in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in Australia, Brasil, Taiwan, Dubai, South Africa, Netherlands, Sweden, Scotland, United Kingdom, Ireland, Switserland, Saudi Arabia, United States, Norway, Germany.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

Diploma in Physical Therapy (1990) (licentiaat motorische revalidatie en kinesitherapie),University of Leuven (K.U.Leuven), Belgium (high distinction)

Postgraduate Diploma Manipulative Physiotherapy (1995) Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia (distinction)

Doctor of Philosophy (2005) Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia, thesis title: Towards the validation of a mechanism based classification system for non-specific chronic low back pain patients with motor control impairment

AWARDS

MPAA Brian Edwards Prize (1995): ‘in recognition of achievement of the highest mark in Clinical Practice on completion of the Graduate Diploma of Manipulative Therapy at Curtin University, Western Australia

International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (2001-2005): provided by the Australian Department of Educational and Youth Affairs (DEYTA) to undertake Doctoral Degree at Curtin University of Technology, Perth, WA

Head of School of Physiotherapy Scholarship (2001-2005): granted by Curtin University of Technology Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lance Twomey

Elsevier Australia Book Prize (2004): awarded for Master or Doctoral student publishing the best article in a Scientific Journal

Vice Chancellor’s Prize (2005): awarded in recognition for outstanding PhD