Sarah L Astill

Professor Sarah L Astill is a leading academic in the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Leeds, Faculty of Biological Sciences, where she holds the position of Professor of Motor Control. Her work bridges neuroscience, rehabilitation, and public health, with a focus on movement control across the lifespan and in clinical populations such as those with spinal cord injury and developmental disorders.

• PhD in Neuromotor Control in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder, University of Leeds
• BSc (Hons) in Physiology and Sport Science, University of Leeds
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Her research centers on understanding the neural and behavioral mechanisms of motor learning and control, particularly in upper limb function. She employs advanced techniques including motion analysis, surface electromyography (sEMG), and non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS, TCES) to study plasticity and develop evidence-based rehabilitation strategies. A significant portion of her work focuses on translating laboratory findings into community-based interventions, especially for older adults and children with neurological conditions.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward translational neuroscience, with emphasis on neurostimulation, gait and upper limb rehabilitation, and community-driven physical activity programs. Her work integrates biomechanics, neurophysiology, and public health, often using mixed-methods designs to assess both physiological and psychosocial outcomes.

While no formal scientific awards are listed in the text, her leadership of multiple competitive grants from ISRT, Sport England, Action Medical Research, and Arts Council England reflects significant recognition in her field.

She actively supervises postgraduate researchers, including Frances Gawne, and contributes to student education across biomedical and sport sciences programs. She has held key leadership roles such as Director for Student Education, Programme Leader, and Faculty Academic Lead for Student Experience. She is also the co-lead of the Reimagine Ageing Interdisciplinary Research Network, which partners with Leeds City Council, Public Health, and community organizations to innovate aging solutions.

Her labs and research groups include affiliations with Sport and Exercise Sciences, Neuroscience and Behaviour, and Cardiovascular and Exercise Sciences, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of her work. Ongoing projects include home-based gait training for SCI, dance interventions for aging, and Long Covid pain mechanisms.