The Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) is a multi-disciplinary research institute with internationally renowned researchers focused on the role of active living, sport, food and nutrition to create healthy, thriving communities and to reduce the rates of chronic health conditions.
We're passionate about building healthy, thriving communities through collaborative research that shapes impactful programs and policies. We've built a solid reputation of working effectively with community and health groups, sporting organisations, athletes, industry, non-government organisations and all levels of government, both nationally and internationally.
IPAN carries out research that is ranked well above the world standard and addresses all life stages, from pregnancy to old age. We conduct high-tech lab research right through to evidence-backed policy, program and implementation work. This includes metabolism, physiology, clinical and behavioural studies, and community and population-based studies. IPAN comprises four research domains, one joint department and a research centre.
Researchers in this domain aim to characterise and understand the biological mechanisms behind exercise and nutrition and how this impacts health. This research includes healthy and clinical populations across the lifespan.
This domain focuses on real-world solutions to increase population levels of physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in the community. Focus areas include physical activity and sedentary behaviour from infancy to young adulthood; built and natural environments for healthy living; and optimising workers' health.
The focus of this research domain is to develop, implement, evaluate and translate lifestyle-based solutions for the prevention and management of chronic diseases, such as 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. Researchers in this domain develop evidence to inform programs and policies to tackle the diverse range of nutrition issues in our community.
A 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 was established to advance research into one of the greatest health challenges of our time – the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.
The Department develops effective evidence-based lifestyle approaches to address the growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, drawing on the institutes' shared interests and expertise 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 dedicated team transforms lives through research excellence and nurtures a new generation of leading researchers through a dynamic research environment.
Deakin Distinguished Professor Jo Salmon
Director, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition
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 conducts world-leading research, approaching many health and societal challenges as problems that can be solved. In this way, we strive to maximise our impact and bring positive change to our communities.
The toddler years can be challenging, with rapid developmental changes and less frequent contact with the healthcare system after infancy. Parents report their top health concerns as excessive screen time, obesity, insufficient physical activity, unhealthy diet and sleep problems. Researchers are working to support parents with their toddlers' active play, sedentary/screen time, nutrition and sleep through the Let’s Grow+ program.
Food insecurity is a significant issue for many Aboriginal people living in remote areas such as the Kimberley. In this project, supported by the Australian Government's Medical Research Future Fund, Professor Lucinda Black and her team are exploring the nutritional benefits of traditional foods and seasonal eating.
By working together we can achieve so much more than we can on our own. At IPAN, we know that collaborations with others are critical to our research success.
IPAN is recognised as a leader in innovative, high-quality research that makes a difference in the real world. Through our experts and international networks, we help provide the evidence needed to inform programs and policies to improve health and society.
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
Understand why IPAN is a world-leading research institute committed to improving wellbeing, performance and society through research excellence.
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.
