Research

The Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition aims to develop population-based activity and nutrition-related interventions and natural experiments that can ultimately be used and sustained in practice.

The research centre has six inter-related themes to address these objectives:

Research themes

Physical Activity and Population Health

• Theme Leader: Professor Ronald Plotnikoff
• Deputy Theme Leader: Associate Professor Mitch Duncan

The research conducted by members of the Physical Activity and Population Health takes a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding physical activity and population health with particular emphasis on education and health promotion strategies for chronic disease prevention, treatment and well being.

Nutrition and Dietetics

• Theme Leader: Professor Clare Collins
• Deputy Theme Leaders: Dr Melinda Hutchesson and Dr Tracy Burrows

The research conducted by members of the Nutrition and Dietetics theme examines the contribution of diet, eating patterns and nutritional status to health and disease outcomes across various life stages from childhood, to pregnancy and older ages and across medical conditions including heart disease and diabetes.

Obesity

• Theme Leader: Professor Philip Morgan
• Deputy Theme Leader: Dr Myles Young

The research conducted my members of the Obesity theme focuses on developing and testing innovative lifestyle programs to prevent or treat obesity.  Importantly, our programs are designed and delivered to appeal to specific population subgroups (e.g. men, women, fathers, mothers, children) in differening settings (e.g.schools, communities and workplaces).

Exercise Sciences

• Theme Leader: Professor Robin Callister

The research conducted by members of the Exercise Sciences theme is investigating the role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of many diseases including diabetes, asthma, mental health, obesity, stroke and other cardiovascular disease.

Clinical and Experimental Nutrition

• Theme Leader: Professor Manohar Garg
• Deputy Theme Leader: Rohith Thota

The research conducted by members of the Clinical and Experimental Nutrition theme goes beyond normal nutrition and examines the role of dietary supplements and fortified foods in weight loss and maintenance, diabetes, asthma, mental health, heart disease and physical activity.

Physical Activity and Nutrition in Schools

• Theme Leader: Professor David Lubans
• Deputy Theme Leaders: Dr Jordan Smith and Dr Narelle Eather

The research conducted by members of the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Schools theme is primarily concerned with the development, evaluation and dissemination of school-based physical activity and nutrition interventions.