David Burke

David Burke is Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney, where he previously occupied the Bushell Chair of Neurology and served as Associate Dean (Research) for Sydney Medical School. He earned his MB BS from the University of Sydney in 1967, MD from the University of New South Wales in 1972, and DSc from UNSW in 1983. Burke's extensive career encompasses leadership roles such as Professor of Neurology at UNSW from 1991 to 2002, Chairman of the Department of Neurology at The Prince Henry and Prince of Wales Hospitals, Director of Clinical Neurosciences, and Director of Clinical Research at the Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute. From 2002 to 2008, he was Professor and Dean of Research and Development (Health) at the University of Sydney. He has held editorial positions including Editor-in-Chief of Clinical Neurophysiology from 2008 to 2016 and inaugural Editor-in-Chief of Clinical Neurophysiology Practice. Burke also presided over the Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists from 2004 to 2007 and contributed to the Executive Committee of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology.

Renowned as one of the world's leading clinical neurophysiologists, David Burke has pioneered the use of microneurography to examine single sensory nerve fibres and muscle afferent feedback in human motor control. His work has elucidated pathophysiological mechanisms of neural disorders, developed diagnostic tests for nerve conduction and reflex function, and established the premier method for intra-operative spinal cord monitoring to prevent surgical injury. A seminal publication is his co-authored book, The Circuitry of the Human Spinal Cord: Its Role in Motor Control (Cambridge University Press, 2012), with Emmanuel Pierrot-Deseilligny. With 36,682 citations and an h-index of 96 according to Google Scholar, his research has significantly impacted neurology, enhancing diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disability. Burke's accolades include the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2019 for service to neurophysiology and innovative treatments for trauma injuries, Officer of the Order (AO) in 1999, Centenary Medal in 2001, Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Science (FAA) in 1995, and Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (FTSE) in 1996.

Professional Email: david.burke@sydney.edu.au