Professor Bruck has particular expertise and interests in sleep/wake behaviour, mental health, chronic fatigue, arousal thresholds, human behaviour in emergencies and the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Professor Bruck has an international research reputation, with over 70 peer-reviewed full-length publications, some 700 citations, over $2 million in competitive grant income and 23 invited international and national professional speaking engagements. She has received numerous awards and prizes, including a highly prestigious US award in 2009. Professor Bruck has been an international legal expert witness and her research has been regularly featured in the media, including Time Magazine and New Scientist.

The research of Professor Bruck and her colleagues at VU has led to new standards for smoke alarm signals being adopted by the US National Fire Protection Association for people who are hard of hearing and all commercial bedrooms. Similar new standards are currently under consideration for Australia.

She is a founding Director of the Sleep Health Foundation and on the national advisory committee for Community Fire Refuges.