Her research focuses on how the brain changes with learning, experience, and damage. As well as shedding light on how the healthy brain responds to change, her work also has implications for understanding and treating disease. For example, recent work has focused on testing new methods for rehabilitation after stroke, and assessing the effects of physical exercise on brain health in adolescents and older adults.

Prof Johansen-Berg and her group are passionate about bringing their research to the wider public, and regularly visit schools and patient events. She has also provided advice and evidence to policymakers on the topics of mental health and exercise as well as stroke recovery.