Research
The Centre for Active Living and Learning aims to improve the health and wellbeing of communities through translational research targeting physical activity, exercise, and sedentary behaviour, across a variety of populations and settings. The research centre has four inter-related themes to address these objectives:
Research themes
Clinical
The research conducted by members of the Clinical research theme focusses on using exercise to prevent and manage chronic disease and injuries, to improve health and quality of life across the lifespan. The Clinical theme projects are improving the lives of people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart and lung disease, chronic pain, and mental health conditions, as well as those with muscle and joint injuries and during pregnancy.
- Theme leader: Dr Emily Cox and Professor Ronald Plotnikoff
Community
The research conducted by members of the Community research theme is focussed on designing and testing physical activity and population health interventions for the prevention and management of chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, as well as the promotion of healthy body weight and general health. This research is conducted across a range of groups and various population settings including workplaces, clinical settings, sporting & coaching organisations and the community at large.
- Theme Leader: Professor Ronald Plotnikoff
- Deputy Theme Leader: Associate Professor Narelle Eather
Families
The research conducted by members of the Families research theme aims to improve family health and wellbeing through understanding lifestyle behaviours in the context of families and developing and evaluating targeted interventions. We have a unique focus on interventions that target fathers/father figures as agents of change within families. Our internationally acclaimed programs are now being scaled up across the nation and expanded worldwide following unprecedented demand from the global academic community as well as from not-for-profit, government and corporate organisations.
- Theme leader: Professor Philip Morgan
Schools
The research conducted by members of the Schools research theme is focussed on school-based interventions designed to promote physical activity and improve fitness and well-being in young people in primary and secondary schools.
- Theme leader: Professor David Lubans
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.