About
Dr. Natasha Layton is an Associate Professor at Monash University’s Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre. She holds an adjunct role at Swinburne University of Technology and specializes in assistive technology (AT), disability support systems, and health policy. Her work bridges clinical practice, evidence-based research, and global policy, with affiliations to the WHO’s AT Roster of Consultants and leadership in the Global Alliance of Assistive Technology Organisations (GAATO).
Education: PhD in Assistive Technology Solutions from Deakin University (2014). She has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications, including book chapters, and secured >$4M in research grants. Her research focuses on practice-based evidence, policy-practice nexus, and inclusive research methodologies to engage hard-to-reach populations. Key projects include evaluating AT effectiveness for older Australians, co-designing dementia care interventions, and advancing international standards for AT provision.
Research Interests: Assistive Technology innovation, disability outcomes measurement, global health equity, and policy translation. She emphasizes rights-based frameworks to ensure AT accessibility aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Awards: ARATA Industry Award (2008), ARATA Soft Technology Award (2016), and FMNHS Dean’s Award for Excellence in Industry Education (2021). She actively collaborates with governments, NGOs, and industry to inform policy and practice.
Grants & Projects: Led projects such as ‘Use and effectiveness of assistive technology for older Australians’ (2023–2026) and contributed to global initiatives like the WHO AT Roadmap. She supervises PhD candidates and promotes co-design approaches in healthcare innovation.
Teams/Labs: Core member of RAIL Research Centre, collaborating internationally on AT competency frameworks and dementia rehabilitation strategies.
