Staff Profile
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Career Summary
Biography
Associate Professor David Lubans is the theme leader for school-based research in the University of Newcastle’s Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition. His research is focused on understanding the determinants of physical activity and the development and evaluation of interventions in school and community settings. A/Prof Lubans is currently leading a number of research projects designed to evaluate the impact of physical activity interventions on behaviour, fitness, movement skills and social and emotional well-being in young people. He has over 70 peer-reviewed publications and as a chief investigator he has secured over $2 million in competitive research funding. He is the Principal Investigator two Australian Research Council Discovery Projects focused on the promotion of physical activity and healthy eating among adolescents living in low-income communities. He is currently co-supervising 12 research higher degree students.
Qualifications
- PhD, University of Oxford - UK, 21/12/2005
- Master of Educational Research Methodology, University of Oxford - UK
Research
Research keywords
- Behaviour Change
- Interventions
- Movement skills
- Physical Activity
- Physical Activity Measurement
- Physical Activity Mediators
- Resistance Training
Research expertise
Schools have been identified as key institutions for the promotion of physical activity and healthy lifestyles. In general, my research is focused on the promotion of physical activity and health among children and adolescents. A key area of interest is the impact of physical education, school sport and the school environment on health-related behaviours of students. Many of my current and proposed research projects aim to evaluate the impact of a diverse range of school and community based interventions designed to promote physical activity and prevent/treat childhood and adolescent obesity. Interventions are based on behavioural science theories and socio-ecological models to support behaviour change. My research also involves the evaluation of resistance training interventions designed to promote muscular fitness across a variety of settings in both clinical and non-clinical populations.
Fields of Research
| Code | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 139900 | Other Education | 50 |
| 110699 | Human Movement And Sports Science Not Elsewhere Classified | 25 |
| 111799 | Public Health And Health Services Not Elsewhere Classified | 25 |
Invitations
| External Examiner Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong (External Examiner.) | 2007 |
Teaching
Teaching keywords
- Health and Fitness
- Motor Development and Skill Acquisition
- Physical Activity Promotion
- Physical Education
Teaching expertise
My teaching expertise corresponds with my research interests. I currently teach a variety of team-based sports, exercise and fitness, and physical education teaching pedagogy.
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- Indicates that the researcher may be seeking students for this project.Translation of the Healthy Dads Healthy Kids program in local communities: Transitioning for sustainability$73,436
A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial of a School-based Physical Activity Intervention in At-risk Communities$32,965
American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, USA 16-20 Nov 2013$1,500
Increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour to improve health and wellbeing in adolescent boys from disadvantaged schools$261,837
Investigating the effects and maximising the benefits of increased physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviour on health and well-being in youth.$88,150
Thinking while moving: Development of a curriculum-based physical activity integration program in the primary school$34,500
Promoting physical activity and reducing screen-time in adolescents: Research Advisory Group funding$2,930
22nd Annual Scientific meeting of the Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society, 18-20 Oct 2012$1,350
Physical Activity and Nutrition: The University of Newcastle's Approach Toward Better Population Health and Education$321,711
The Supporting Children's Outcomes using Rewards, Exercise and Skills (SCORES) study$220,000
Physical Activity 4 Every 1$110,000
HNEPH Health Promotion Demonstration Grant- PA4E1$87,875
The Fit-4-Fun Program: promoting fitness and health in primary school children$2,000
International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Melbourne, 15 - 18 June 2011$750
The Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids community program: Promoting family health through sustainable school and community partnerships$524,453
Engaging economically disadvantaged adolescent girls in physical activity and healthy eating to improve health and prevent obesity$155,000
Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society's Annual Scientific Meeting, Sydney, 21 - 23 October 2010$850
Promotion of physical activity and healthy eating among low-SES adolescent boys$9,905
Girls in sport intervention and research project 2008-2011$7,327
Healthy dads, healthy kids project: feasibility and benefits of a father-focused child obesity prevention intervention$50,000
Evaluation of the benefit of a school garden$41,284
The effects of resistance training on physiological and psychological health in adolescents: A randomized controlled trial$5,192
The effects of resistance training on physiological and psychological health in adolescents: A randomized controlled trial$5,000
The Asics Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport, Hamilton Island, 16/10/2008 - 18/10/2008$1,513
Evaluation of an Internet-based Weight Loss Program for Men$14,796
Evaluation of an enhanced school sport program for adolescents promoting healthy eating and physical activity$10,163
International Conference on Physical Activity & Obesity in Children, Toronto, Canada 24/6/2007 - 27/6/2007$1,700
Promoting participation in lifetime physical activities among adolescents: The LEAF (Learning to Enjoy Activity with Friends) program$8,277
Grants and Funding
Summary
| Number of grants | 28 |
|---|---|
| Total funding | $2,074,464 |
For project grants received where the lead institution is other than the University of Newcastle, details are shown in italics.
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
2013 (3 grants)
Translation of the Healthy Dads Healthy Kids program in local communities: Transitioning for sustainability$73,436
Funding Body: Coal & Allied Trust
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Philip Morgan, Associate Professor David Lubans, Professor Clare Collins, Professor Robin Callister, Professor Ronald Plotnikoff | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Project Grant | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $73,436 | 2013 | 2014 |
| GNo:G1301006 | ||
A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial of a School-based Physical Activity Intervention in At-risk Communities$32,965
Funding Body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dr Chris Lonsdale, Associate Professor David Lubans, Dr Gregory Kolt, Dr Lousia Peralta, Professor Anthony Maeder, Professor Jennifer Gore, Professor Ester Cerin, Professor Nikos Ntoumanis | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Discovery Projects | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $32,965 | 2013 | 2015 |
| GNo:G1201273 | ||
American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, USA 16-20 Nov 2013$1,500
Funding Body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Education and Arts
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor David Lubans | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Travel Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $1,500 | 2013 | 2013 |
| GNo:G1300768 | ||
2012 (5 grants)
Increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour to improve health and wellbeing in adolescent boys from disadvantaged schools$261,837
Funding Body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor David Lubans, Professor Philip Morgan, Doctor Kerry Dally, Professor Ronald Plotnikoff | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Discovery Projects | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $261,837 | 2012 | 2014 |
| GNo:G1100085 | ||
Investigating the effects and maximising the benefits of increased physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviour on health and well-being in youth.$88,150
Funding Body: The Wests Group Australia
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor David Lubans, Professor Ronald Plotnikoff | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Postgraduate Scholarship | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $88,150 | 2012 | 2016 |
| GNo:G1200998 | ||
Thinking while moving: Development of a curriculum-based physical activity integration program in the primary school$34,500
Funding Body: NSW Department of Education and Communities
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Philip Morgan, Associate Professor David Lubans, Mr Nick Riley, Doctor Kathryn Holmes | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Research Grant | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $34,500 | 2012 | 2013 |
| GNo:G1201201 | ||
Promoting physical activity and reducing screen-time in adolescents: Research Advisory Group funding$2,930
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor David Lubans | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Special Project Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $2,930 | 2012 | 2012 |
| GNo:G1201075 | ||
22nd Annual Scientific meeting of the Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society, 18-20 Oct 2012$1,350
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor David Lubans | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Travel Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $1,350 | 2012 | 2013 |
| GNo:G1200717 | ||
2011 (6 grants)
Physical Activity and Nutrition: The University of Newcastle's Approach Toward Better Population Health and Education$321,711
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Ronald Plotnikoff, Professor Robin Callister, Professor Clare Collins, Doctor Benjamin Ewald, Professor Manohar Garg, Associate Professor Erica James, Associate Professor David Lubans, Professor Philip Morgan | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Priority Research Centre | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $321,711 | 2011 | 2015 |
| GNo:G1100058 | ||
The Supporting Children's Outcomes using Rewards, Exercise and Skills (SCORES) study$220,000
Funding Body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor David Lubans, Professor Philip Morgan, Professor Ronald Plotnikoff, Professor Robin Callister | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Research Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $220,000 | 2011 | 2014 |
| GNo:G1100880 | ||
Physical Activity 4 Every 1$110,000
Funding Body: NSW Ministry of Health
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor John Wiggers, Professor Philip Morgan, Associate Professor David Lubans, Doctor Libby Campbell | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Promotion Demonstration Research Grant Scheme | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $110,000 | 2011 | 2011 |
| GNo:G1100605 | ||
HNEPH Health Promotion Demonstration Grant- PA4E1$87,875
Funding Body: NSW Ministry of Health
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor John Wiggers, Professor Philip Morgan, Associate Professor David Lubans, Doctor Libby Campbell | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Promotion Demonstration Research Grant Scheme | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $87,875 | 2011 | 2011 |
| GNo:G1100762 | ||
The Fit-4-Fun Program: promoting fitness and health in primary school children$2,000
Funding Body: Sports Medicine Australia
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Philip Morgan, Associate Professor David Lubans, Ms Narelle Eather | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Research Grant | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $2,000 | 2011 | 2011 |
| GNo:G1100582 | ||
International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Melbourne, 15 - 18 June 2011$750
Funding Body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Education and Arts
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor David Lubans | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Travel Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $750 | 2011 | 2012 |
| GNo:G1100389 | ||
2010 (3 grants)
The Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids community program: Promoting family health through sustainable school and community partnerships$524,453
Funding Body: Coal & Allied Trust
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Philip Morgan, Doctor Victoria Clay, Professor Clare Collins, Associate Professor David Lubans, Doctor Richard Fletcher, Professor Robin Callister, Doctor Tracy Burrows, Professor Ronald Plotnikoff, Professor Anthony Okely | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Project Grant | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $524,453 | 2010 | 2012 |
| GNo:G1000001 | ||
Engaging economically disadvantaged adolescent girls in physical activity and healthy eating to improve health and prevent obesity$155,000
Funding Body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor David Lubans, Professor Philip Morgan, Professor Robin Callister, Professor Clare Collins, Professor Anthony Okely, Professor Ronald Plotnikoff | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Discovery Projects | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $155,000 | 2010 | 2012 |
| GNo:G0190012 | ||
Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society's Annual Scientific Meeting, Sydney, 21 - 23 October 2010$850
Funding Body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Education and Arts
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor David Lubans | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Travel Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $850 | 2010 | 2011 |
| GNo:G1000773 | ||
2009 (2 grants)
Promotion of physical activity and healthy eating among low-SES adolescent boys$9,905
Funding Body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor David Lubans, Professor Philip Morgan, Professor Robin Callister | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Youth Research Project Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $9,905 | 2009 | 2009 |
| GNo:G0189812 | ||
Girls in sport intervention and research project 2008-2011$7,327
Funding Body: NSW Department of Education and Training
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor David Lubans, Professor Philip Morgan | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Research Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $7,327 | 2009 | 2011 |
| GNo:G0190216 | ||
2008 (5 grants)
Healthy dads, healthy kids project: feasibility and benefits of a father-focused child obesity prevention intervention$50,000
Funding Body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Philip Morgan, Professor Clare Collins, Associate Professor David Lubans, Professor Robin Callister, Doctor Richard Fletcher, Dr Janet Warren, Professor Anthony Okely | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Project Grant | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $50,000 | 2008 | 2008 |
| GNo:G0189179 | ||
Evaluation of the benefit of a school garden$41,284
Funding Body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Philip Morgan, Associate Professor David Lubans, Professor Clare Collins | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Project Grant | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $41,284 | 2008 | 2008 |
| GNo:G0188614 | ||
The effects of resistance training on physiological and psychological health in adolescents: A randomized controlled trial$5,192
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor David Lubans | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Pilot Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $5,192 | 2008 | 2008 |
| GNo:G0189042 | ||
The effects of resistance training on physiological and psychological health in adolescents: A randomized controlled trial$5,000
Funding Body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Education and Arts
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor David Lubans | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Pilot Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $5,000 | 2008 | 2008 |
| GNo:G0189383 | ||
The Asics Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport, Hamilton Island, 16/10/2008 - 18/10/2008$1,513
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor David Lubans | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Travel Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $1,513 | 2008 | 2008 |
| GNo:G0189219 | ||
2007 (3 grants)
Evaluation of an Internet-based Weight Loss Program for Men$14,796
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Philip Morgan, Associate Professor David Lubans, Professor Robin Callister | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Pilot Grant | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $14,796 | 2007 | 2007 |
| GNo:G0187848 | ||
Evaluation of an enhanced school sport program for adolescents promoting healthy eating and physical activity$10,163
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor David Lubans | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Early Career Researcher Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $10,163 | 2007 | 2007 |
| GNo:G0187834 | ||
International Conference on Physical Activity & Obesity in Children, Toronto, Canada 24/6/2007 - 27/6/2007$1,700
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor David Lubans | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Travel Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $1,700 | 2007 | 2007 |
| GNo:G0187741 | ||
2006 (1 grants)
Promoting participation in lifetime physical activities among adolescents: The LEAF (Learning to Enjoy Activity with Friends) program$8,277
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor David Lubans | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Early Career Researcher Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $8,277 | 2006 | 2006 |
| GNo:G0186766 | ||
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Research Supervision
| Number of current supervisions | 14 |
|---|---|
| Total current UoN Masters EFTSL | 0.75 |
| Total current UoN PhD EFTSL | 3.04 |
For supervisions undertaken at an institution other that the University of Newcastle, details are shown in italics, and the institution name is listed below the program name.
Current Supervision
| Commenced | Proposed Completion | Program | Supervisor Type | Research Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 2015 | M Philosophy (Education) | Principal Supervisor | Investigating the Effects and Maximising the Benefits of Increased Physical Activity and Reduced Sedentary Behaviour on Well-Being in Youth |
| 2013 | 2018 | PhD (Education) | Principal Supervisor | The Measurement of Physical Activity in Adolescents: Testing Objective Monitoring Protocols and Validation of Self-Report Measures |
| 2013 | 2016 | PhD (Education) | Principal Supervisor | Improving the Health and Well Being of Adolescent Boys From Disadvantaged Communities |
| 2013 | 2016 | PhD (Education) | Principal Supervisor | The Supporting Children's Outcomes Using Rewards, Exercise and Skills (SCORES) Group Randomised Controlled Trial: A Physical Activity and Fundamental Movement Skills Intervention for Primary Schools in Low-Income Communities |
| 2012 | 2020 | PhD (Medicine) | Co-Supervisor | A Multi-Component Intervention in Disadvantaged Secondary Schools to Reduce the Decline in Adolescent Physical Activity |
| 2011 | 2015 | PhD (Education) | Co-Supervisor | The Impact of the 'Healthy Dads Healthy Kids' Lifestyle Program for Overweight Fathers and their Children on Key Obesity-Related Parenting Variables |
| 2011 | 2015 | PhD (Human Physiology) | Co-Supervisor | Resistance Training in Adolescent Rugby Union Players |
| 2011 | 2017 | PhD (Education) | Co-Supervisor | Development and Evaluation of a Primary School-Based Program to Integrate Physical Activity Across the Curriculum: the E.A.S.Y Minds Program |
| 2011 | 2017 | PhD (Behavioural Science) | Co-Supervisor | A Randomised Trial of a Healthy Lifestyle Program for Cancer Survivors and their Partners/Caregivers |
| 2011 | 2016 | PhD (Education) | Co-Supervisor | A Longitudinal Examination of Elements Associated with Educational Outcomes: Testing an Integrated Whole-Child Whole-School Model of Learning in Disadvantaged High School Communities |
| 2009 | 2011 | M Philosophy (Human Physiolog) | Co-Supervisor | The Effects of Improving Fitness Characteristics on Overall Performance in Junior Golfers |
| 2009 | 2017 | PhD (Education) | Co-Supervisor | The Fit-4-Fun Program: Promoting Fitness and Health in Primary School Children |
| 2009 | 2013 | PhD (Education) | Principal Supervisor | Nutrition and Enjoyable Activity for Teen Girls (NEAT Girls) Group Randomised Controlled Trial: Evaluation of a School-based Obesity Prevention Program for Adolescent Girls from Low-income Communities |
| 2007 | 2011 | Masters Education Studies University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor | Contribution of fictional literature to health understanding and attitudes in early childhood |
Past Supervision
| Year | Program | Supervisor Type | Research Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | M Philosophy (Education) | Co-Supervisor | Feasibility of the 'Girls Recreational Activity Support Program using Information Technology' (GRASP-IT) Pilot Study: A Randomised Controlled Trial to Increase Physical Activity Among Older Adolescent Girls using a Social Networking Website |
| 2012 | PhD (Politics) | Co-Supervisor | An Examination of the New South Wales Electronic Gaming Machine Industry 1995 to 2005 and its Historical, Regulatory, Political and Economic Contexts |
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Associate Professor David Lubans
| Work Phone | (02) 4921 2049 |
|---|---|
| Fax | (02) 4921 7407 |
| David.Lubans@newcastle.edu.au | |
| Position | Associate Professor Physical Education School of Education Faculty of Education and Arts |
| Office | ATC Rm301C, Health and Physical Education Building, Callaghan University Drive Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia |
| URL: | www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/david-lubans |
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