Deakin Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition
Improving health, wellbeing, performance and society through research
How we build healthy, thriving communities through research
The Deakin Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition is a world-leading multi-disciplinary research institute and a major contributor to Deakin University’s success as the #1 ranked sports science school globally. Our research is focused on the role of active living, sport, exercise, food and nutrition to improve health, wellbeing, performance and society. We're passionate about building healthy, thriving communities through collaborative research that shapes impactful programs and policies.
Our research areas
Our multidisciplinary research spans all ages and life stages, covering movement and nutrition sciences - from metabolism, physiology and biological mechanisms to the use of exercise and diet in preventing and managing chronic conditions and enhancing human performance - as well as sport management and population-based approaches.
Biology of health and disease
We investigate the fundamental biological processes that drive human health and disease. Our researchers aim to understand how cellular, molecular and metabolic mechanisms influence development to inform better prevention, treatment and care.
Healthy active living
We investigate drivers of active living and design, test and deliver real-world solutions to help increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour across the lifespan. Our work drives effective policy and practice, creating positive change in communities worldwide.
Preventing and managing chronic conditions
We develop evidence-based solutions to prevent and manage chronic health conditions. Our research designs, tests and implements nutrition, physical activity and behaviour change approaches to support people at risk for or living with conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, musculoskeletal disorders and mental health.
Food, nutrition and health
Our research tackles a diverse range of food and nutrition issues in our community. From improving food literacy to shaping national policy and practice, our research delivers practical solutions that support better health for all.
Baker-Deakin Department of Lifestyle and Diabetes
The Baker Deakin Department of Lifestyle and Diabetes is a joint initiative between the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and Deakin’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, translating leading prevention and management science into real-world impact. We bring together researchers, clinicians and practitioners to prevent and manage type two diabetes through lifestyle-based solutions.
Centre for Sport Research
The Centre for Sport Research brings together leading experts in sports, exercise and health research from across Deakin University to deliver meaningful impact through research and partnerships. We aim to guide sport practice to help build healthier communities, improve performance and support sport organisations so they can grow participation and engagement.
Improve health, wellbeing, performance and society through research
Discover how your research can create meaningful change in people’s lives by joining a leading institute in physical activity, sport and nutrition science. You’ll bring your research to life in innovate facilities alongside world-leading experts, enabling a healthy and sustainable world.
Our dedicated team transforms lives through research excellence and nurtures a new generation of leading researchers through a dynamic research environment.
Director, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition
Our research leaders
We bring together a unique blend of renowned multidisciplinary researchers with expertise across health, human movement, exercise and sports science, sport management, nutrition, dietetics and disease prevention.
Deakin Distinguished Professor Anna Timperio is the director of the Deakin Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition. Her research is focused on understanding the range of influences on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and eating behaviours, particularly among children and adolescents, and over critical life transition periods such as childhood to adolescence, and adolescence to young adulthood.
Professor Michelle Keske is the co-deputy director of the Deakin Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition. She is internationally recognised for her contribution to the study of muscle microvascular blood flow and her expertise in the development of techniques to assess microvascular blood flow in vivo in humans and animals.
Professor Nicole Kiss is the co-deputy director of the Deakin Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition. She leads a research program to improve the recognition and management of cancer-related muscle loss and malnutrition and is the lead investigator of the Establishing Pathways to Improved Care for Cancer-related Sarcopenia research program.
Flagship programs
Our research is dedicated to solving population and planetary health, performance and system challenges.
TransformUs
A world-first program, TransformUs makes it easy for schools to create active learning environments that boost student engagement, learning and long-term health outcomes. Developed by leading researchers, the program empowers teachers to get students more active and reduce sitting time without changing the existing curriculum or adding extra tasks to the school day.
INFANT
INFANT is a world-renowned program that helps new families with healthy eating, active play and reduced screen time from the start of life. Developed in collaboration with health professionals over more than 15 years, INFANT helps new families establish healthy routines in feeding, active play and screen time.
Our collaborations
The Deakin Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition works with government, industry and health partners to turn leading research into practical solutions that improve health, wellbeing and society. Our experts offer strategic guidance, program development, specialised analysis and real‑world evaluation to help organisations create meaningful, scalable impact.
Make a difference in health, wellbeing and society
Understand why the Deakin Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition is a world-leading research institute committed to improving wellbeing, performance and society through research excellence.
Contact us
Stay in touch with us to hear about the latest alumni opportunities, research news and much more. Have a question? Get in touch with the team.
03 9244 6613
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