Mahyar Firouzi

Mahyar Firouzi is an assistant professor in clinical neuropsychology in neurological rehabilitation at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), affiliated with the Rehabilitation Research Group (RERE). His academic work lies at the intersection of rehabilitation sciences, cognitive neuroscience, and rehabilitation technology. His research focuses on motor-cognitive interactions in neurological conditions and on the development and translation of technology-supported neurorehabilitation strategies. He combines fundamental mechanistic research with applied clinical studies, aiming to bridge experimental neuroscience and real-world rehabilitation practice.

Career Path and Research Profile

Interdisciplinary Positioning and Scientific Focus

Mahyar’s research is grounded in neurorehabilitation, with particular attention to how motor behaviour is shaped by underlying cognitive and neural processes. His academic trajectory spans rehabilitation sciences and psychology, resulting in an interdisciplinary profile that integrates clinical reasoning, experimental motor learning paradigms, electrophysiology and technology-based interventions.

He is actively involved in research projects on automaticity, motor learning, motor inhibition, neuromuscular fatigue and postural control in healthy individuals and neurological populations, including Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and age-related cognitive decline. Neurological conditions are approached not only as clinical syndromes, but also as neural models for understanding disrupted motor-cognitive processes. 

Career Development and Academic Trajectory

Mahyar obtained his MSc in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy in 2019 and completed his interdisciplinary PhD (physiotherapy & psychology) in 2024 at VUB. Following his doctoral training, he combined postdoctoral research with teaching responsibilities at VUB, where he became a ZAP member in 2026. 

Research Lines and Interests

• Mechanistic Neurorehabilitation and Neuromodulation

A central research line concerns mechanistic neurorehabilitation, with specific attention to non-invasive brain stimulation and its interaction with motor-cognitive processes. His doctoral research examined how implicit motor sequence learning is altered in Parkinson’s disease and whether these processes can be modulated using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS).

• Rehabilitation Technology and Functional Outcomes

A second research line focuses on rehabilitation technology more broadly. Over the course of his trajectory, Mahyar has worked with lower-limb exoskeletons, serious games, wearable sensors, electrophysiological recordings, and instrumented gait analysis. His work on wearable robotics and digital interventions examines feasibility, functional outcomes, and clinical integration in neurological and ageing populations. Technology is consistently approached as a tool to enhance motor performance and recovery, grounded in clinical reasoning and patient needs.

• Translational Research

An important dimension of his work is the translation of promising technological innovations into sustainable clinical practice. Many interventions demonstrate efficacy in controlled environments yet struggle to be adopted in routine care. His research therefore integrates mechanistic insight, clinical validation, and implementation considerations within a coherent trajectory aimed at real-world impact.