The Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) is a multi-disciplinary research institute with internationally renowned researchers focussed on understanding - and influencing - physical activity and nutrition to improve health across the lifespan.
Our research spans from the lab to real world settings. We conduct metabolism, physiology, clinical and behavioural studies, and community and population-based research.
Our team collaborates nationally and internationally, as well as across disciplines. We’re also committed to nurturing a new generation of leading researchers, through a supportive and dynamic research environment.
IPAN research covers four research domains, one joint department and a research centre.
The overarching aim of research in this domain is to characterise and understand the biological mechanisms by which exercise and nutrition impact health. Research in this domain includes healthy and clinical populations across the lifespan – from growth in the womb to ageing.
This domain focuses on real-world solutions to increase population levels of physical activity and consists of three research groups; Physical activity and sedentary behaviour from infancy to young adulthood; Built and natural environments for healthy living; and Worker health and stress.
The focus of this research is the development, implementation, evaluation and translation of lifestyle-based solutions for the prevention and management of chronic diseases . This includes cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal-related conditions, brain, cognitive and mood-related disorders, and cancer.
Unhealthy diets are the leading contributor to the global burden of disease and research in this domain includes developing and evaluating interventions and translating research into policy and practice.
A collaborative partnership between the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), the Baker-Deakin Department of Lifestyle and Diabetes has been established to advance research into one of the greatest health challenges of our time – the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.
Led by eminent researcher Professor David Dunstan, the Department focuses on developing evidence-based lifestyle approaches to address the growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, drawing on shared interests in physical activity, sedentary behaviour, nutrition and chronic disease management research.
CSR researchers are experts in sport, exercise and health from various faculties within Deakin.
Whether you’re looking for partnership or PhD opportunities, or to make a gift to further our important research, we would love to hear from you.
Our dynamic team is focused on positively transforming lives in our communities by undertaking high-quality research that influences policy, practices and programs.
Alfred Deakin Professor, Jo Salmon Director
The Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN)
With a focus on child and youth physical activity and sedentary behaviour in particular, Professor Salmon’s research has led to effective strategies to reduce and break up children’s and adolescents’ sitting and promote physical activity in the school and home settings.
Professor Timperio's 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 Keske 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.
IPAN is recognised as a leader in innovative, high-quality research that translates into real-world applications. We have many national and international research collaborations which both strengthens our expertise and offers exciting opportunities for our staff and PhD students.
High blood pressure is the most common risk factor for heart disease, stroke and chronic kidney disease, affecting around 6 million Australians. With the support of a Heart Foundation Vanguard Grant, Associate Professor Shariful Islam is testing the effectiveness of a wearable device program, called WEAR-HEART, to improve blood pressure management.
Increasing the vegetable intake of young adults in rural communities is crucial to protect them against future heart disease risk. With just 3 per cent of young adults aged 18–35 years who live in rural areas eating the recommended five serves of vegetables daily, Dr Katherine Livingstone is focused on supporting them to increase their vegetable intake.
By working together we can achieve so much more than we can on our own. At IPAN we see working with stakeholders and partners as critical to our research success.
IPAN is recognised as a leader in innovative, high-quality research that translates into real-world applications. By making IPAN experts available to our partners and international networks, we provide the evidence needed to inform programs and policies that affect health.
We are keen to hear from organisations interested in connecting with us to answer important research questions. Starting discussions early is critical. If you have an idea, please 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.
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