Raf MEESEN

Prof. Raf MEESEN is a Full Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences at Hasselt University. His primary affiliation is with the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, where he leads the Rehabilitation Research Center. His research focuses on neurophysiological mechanisms underlying motor control in aging populations, neuroplasticity modulation via non-invasive brain stimulation, and translational rehabilitation strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Key research interests include bimanual coordination deficits in older adults, cerebellar-cerebral network interactions, and optimizing neuromodulation techniques (tDCS/tACS). He supervises over 15 doctoral researchers exploring topics like personalized transcranial stimulation, age-related motor network changes, and neurovascular coupling models.

Current projects include investigating whole-brain structural-functional links in healthy aging, developing quality indicators for interdisciplinary rehabilitation, and advancing neuroplasticity-based interventions for motor recovery post-stroke and in Parkinson's disease.

• Leading 32 active research projects (2013–2025), including EU-funded initiatives and national grants.
• Coordinating teaching in advanced physiotherapy programs and supervising clinical internships.
• Published >150 peer-reviewed articles on motor neurophysiology and rehabilitation technologies.

His work bridges basic neuroscience discoveries with practical rehabilitation solutions, emphasizing translational research to improve mobility and cognitive function in aging and clinical populations.