David Burke's research achievements have come from the application of physiological principles to study normal and disordered neural function in human subjects.

He is recognised internationally as one of the foremost authorities on the technique of microneurography which he has used to study the activity of identified sensory nerve fibres under natural conditions.

He has developed techniques to study nerve conduction, reflex function and transmission within the nervous system into diagnostic tests, and has used these techniques to explore pathophysiological mechanisms. He developed what is now recognised internationally as the best available method for monitoring spinal cord function during surgery to avoid inadvertent operative damage.