Ragnar Purje Ph.D.

Ragnar Purje, Ph.D., neuroscientist and educator, has made significant contributions to the field of neuroscience, particularly in the realm of acquired brain injury rehabilitation. His innovative approach, known as Complex Multi-Movement Therapy (CMMT), has been a cornerstone of his research and practice.

This pioneering therapy was the focus of his doctoral thesis (supervised by Professor Ken Purnell and associate supervisor Professor Kevin Ronan), “The Phenomenon of the Recovery of Johnny Famechon: A Discourse of Resilience and Brain Plasticity,” which detailed the successful rehabilitation of the former world champion boxer Johnny Famechon after a severe brain injury.

With the ongoing support and supervising insights provided by Professor Ken Purnell, Dr. Purje's doctoral thesis research and the application of his Complex Multi-Movement Therapy were pivotal in understanding what had occurred in relation to the recovery of John Famechon. The therapy itself and the research undertaken not only demonstrated the efficacy of CMMT but also introduced two novel terms into the lexicon of human biology: neurofluidity and hólos. Neurofluidity refers to the dynamic neurological processes that facilitate brain plasticity, allowing the brain to adapt and recover from injuries. The term hólos, derived from the Greek word for 'whole,' encapsulates the unity of the brain and body, emphasizing the immutable interconnectedness of the mind and the physical self.

Dr. Purje's work also extends into the academic sphere, where he holds the position of Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the School of Education and the Arts, Central Queensland University. His book Responsibility Theory is one of the textbooks for preservice graduate teachers.

With the support of Professor Ken Purnell, Dr Purje presents Responsibility Theory lectures to preservice graduate teachers. The intention of these lectures is to empower teachers and students by applying systematic self-talk sequence learning strategies to improve behavior and academic performance. These strategies are also grounded in the principles of neuroscience and brain plasticity.

In relation to studies and research, Dr Purje’s academic journey is marked by what could be described as a relentless pursuit of knowledge, as evidenced by his academic qualifications, which are as follows: Ph.D., CQU; M.Ed.USQ; M.Ed.(Guid.& Couns.), USQ; M.Ed.(Lead. & Man.), USQ; B.App.Sci.(P.E.), Vic.Uni; B.A.(Psych.) Uni.of New England; Grad.Dip.Ed., Melb.Uni; Grad.Dip.Sp.Sci., Deakin Uni; Grad.Dip.Ex.& Sp.Sci.,Vic.Uni; Grad.Dip. (Health Couns.), Vic.Uni; Grad.Cert.(Comm.), Vic.Uni; Cert. IV (in Assessment & Workplace Training), The Learning Network. As part of this journey, Dr. Purje acknowledges the influence of his many years of ongoing daily training in the inspiring and unrelenting arduous traditional Goju Karate martial art of Chojun Miyagi and Gogen Yamaguchi.

Dr. Purje's contributions are not limited to his academic achievements; he is also a passionate advocate for the practical application of his research, specific to personal development: his Responsibility Theory and the Neuroscience of the Self-Empowerment Program. This program presents specific information that focuses on how the individual can develop the intrinsic skills and knowledge of knowing how to take immediate control of what cannot be controlled, such as the internet, social media, and also any negative opinions, judgments, or circumstances that may take place.

In terms of application, the Responsibility Theory and the Neuroscience of Self-Empowerment Program, the purpose of this neuroscience-directed program is to learn and also know how to immediately apply the all-important self-initiated, self-directed, and self-talk strategies of knowing how to deal constructively with the internet and social media, and to also know how to successfully deal with any and all negative opinions and judgments by others. The self-affirming mantra for this evidence-based, neuroscience-focused self-empowerment program is: “I’ve got the power to change my brain, my thinking, my behavior, my attitude, my choices, my actions, my beliefs, my consequences, and my life.”

This program is also designed to help individuals take control of their thinking and behaviour for the purpose of enhancing their learning, social skills, and academic potential, and the importance of understanding that choices lead to consequences. This program is also based on the understanding that repetition and sequence learning are crucial components of human intelligence and that self-talk can be a powerful tool for personal development.

This program also aims to foster self-efficacy and resilience and to drive learners to success by encouraging hard work for the purpose of achieving goals and deeply understanding what is required in the pursuit of excellence. According to Dr. Purje, the research in this field has found that hard goals, rather than so-called “do your best” goals, have a positive sway on success and achievement. Hard goals bring value as they tend to be clear and specific in nature and direction rather than being vague or general.

Dr. Ragnar Purje's pioneering research in brain plasticity and the development of CMMT have potentially further advanced the understanding of brain plasticity and rehabilitation. His holistic approach to the unification of the brain and body (through the concept of hólos) has also potentially opened new avenues for therapy and education. As an educator, researcher, and innovator, Dr. Purje continues to work to inspire and transform the lives of others.