Paul Hodges is a world leader in motor control and pain. His unique approach, from single cells to whole humans, has made fundamental shifts in our understanding of why people move differently in pain. He was the first to show modified neural control of muscles in back pain and to uncover molecular mechanisms, resolving a decades-long debate regarding muscle changes after injury. His work has transformed our understanding of diverse conditions, from control of urinary continence to progression of osteoarthritis. His discoveries have improved outcomes for people in pain, particularly back pain - the leading cause of disability internationally.