Dr Mani directs Pain@Otago - A University of Otago Research theme, and is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago. Dr Mani is a co-principal investigator (Musculoskeletal pain) in the world-leading longitudinal study - The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study (Dunedin Study). He has attracted (as PI) several external/internal research funding including; Health Research Council Feasibility Grant, Otago Medical Research Foundation (Jack Thompson Arthritis Fund) and University of Otago Research Grants. He teaches chronic pain at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, along with supervising research Masters and PhD students. He serves as a councillor of the NZ pain society and is a member of the IASP membership & chapter committee.
Ram’s research programme aims to: 1. Identify cortical activity based phenotypes of pain sensitivity, pain modulation and pain experience. 2. Test efficacy/effectiveness of neuromodulatory interventions for improving musculoskeletal pain outcomes 3. To identify mechanisms by which interventions exert their effects on pain outcomes in people with musculoskeletal pain.