Alumni Highlights
Dr Alice Grady
Beryl Nashar Young Researcher Award - 2023
Graduating from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Psychology in 2009 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Behavioural Sciences in 2016, Dr Alice Grady is using implementation science and new technology to translate public health research into real-world benefits for the community.
Improving public health requires robust research—but that’s just the beginning. Alice is using new technologies, such as web-based programs and apps, to put evidence into practice in a way that is effective, scalable and sustainable. By turning research into action, Alice is helping to prevent chronic diseases and create healthier communities.
“We’ve been able to achieve such impact by combining implementation science with technology, which allows us to disseminate our programs faster and with more reach.”
In 2019, Alice was awarded the prestigious Heart Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship, marking a pivotal moment in her career. In just five years post-PhD, her productivity is remarkable, with 76 peer-reviewed publications to her name, demonstrating her proficiency in producing impactful research.
"Australia's facing a crisis, around 25 percent of young children are living with overweight or obesity. That impacts a young child’s immediate and long term health outcomes which puts enormous pressure on our health care system."
Alice’s research is centred on childhood obesity prevention, harnessing a unique blend of technology and behavioural science. Her innovative approach has led to the development, testing, and dissemination of groundbreaking methods to advance public health.
A hallmark of Alice's work lies in her co-design methodology, actively involving end-users and partners to address pressing community needs. This inclusive approach ensures her research directly translates into practical, tangible benefits.
"As an Implementation Scientist, I am responsible for identifying evidence practice gaps; looking at where usual practice misaligns with what evidence is telling us."
2023 Alumni Excellence Award Recipient | Dr Alice Grady 2:00
Alice’s research has played a vital role in informing early childhood obesity prevention policies in NSW. The 'Munch & Move' program promotes physical activity, healthy eating and has reduced small screen time for children up to five, reaching over 70,000 children across 3,500 childcare services state-wide.
Her contribution to the web-based program – feedAustralia - gained national attention, garnering $1.2 million in funding support from the Commonwealth Department of Health, to be expanded nationwide. This innovative program, a first of its kind internationally, supports early childhood education and care services to provide healthier food to over 100,000 children across Australia and received recognition at the 2018 Australian Council of Health Standards Quality Awards.
Alice's research has been presented 53 times at national and international conferences, including World Public Health Nutrition Congress, International Society for Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity, and Global Evidence and Implementation Summit. She has also undertaken a range of activities informing policies and recommendations.
“As an early career researcher, I’ve been really fortunate that my research has had an impact at a National and International level – even as far as to inform training packages and policies by the World Health Organisation.”
Alice’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and inclusivity in public health research. Her commitment to addressing critical community needs by providing practical and accessible programs and initiatives has left an indelible mark on childhood obesity prevention. Dr Alice Grady's story serves as an inspiration to emerging researchers and a testament to the profound impact they can have in the field of public health.
"My hope for my work is that it can continue to support young children to lead healthy lives but also that the methodology and approaches I use can be adapted to address other health behaviours."
Dr Alice Grady
National Heart Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Doctor of Philosophy (Behavioural Science) 2016 Bachelor of Psychology 2009
Australia's facing a crisis, around 25 percent of young children are living with overweight or obesity. That impacts a young child’s immediate and long term health outcomes which puts enormous pressure on our health care system.
Alumni Excellence Awards
Beryl Nashar Young Researcher Award
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.