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Cross domain themes

IPAN has identified three key themes aligned with all areas of IPAN’s research. Described as ‘cross domain themes’, they are designed to build capacity and strengthen links between IPAN researchers in these key areas, as well as build collaborations with other Institutes and Strategic Research Centres within Deakin.

Research domains:

 

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Cross domain themes

Implementation science and translation

Theme leader: Dr Harriet Koorts

This theme covers the implementation and translation of evidence into practice. Specifically, the theme focuses on evidence-based ways of improving the uptake and use of evidence in practice, methodologies to support the design and evaluation of implementation-related research, and capacity building opportunities through training and knowledge sharing.

The need for more effective implementation of evidence-based practices has never been more apparent globally.  Challenges translating evidence into practice span all disciplines, with solutions often requiring the involvement of many agencies across multiple sectors. Bridging the gap between research and practice is essential for equitable and sustainable health promotion. It is also critical to ensure that scientific evidence meets the needs of those it is intended to benefit; minimising ‘research waste’ in public health.

Sustainability

Theme leaders: Professor Mark Lawrence, Dr Shannon Sahlqvist

Food and active living systems that promote healthy eating and active transport have well recognised benefits for personal, population and planetary health.

This theme connects researchers who work on sustainability-related activities that cut across the standard research groups, providing opportunities for connection and collaboration.

Digital technologies

Theme leader: Professor Ralph Maddison

IPAN’s digital technologies theme leverages technology to improve physical activity, nutrition and health across the entire lifespan, among people with and without specific health conditions.

Digital technologies improve the reach and sustainability of health behaviour interventions. For example, using digital platforms mitigates many barriers individuals face when attempting to access analogue physical activity and nutrition programs.

IPAN has experience using many digital technologies including hardware (e.g., wearable sensors, computers, conversational agents, smartphones and other mobile devices) and software (e.g., smartphone apps, web apps and websites, SMS, machine learning models and algorithms, image and pattern recognition) to address a broad range of health behaviour research challenges.

IPAN works closely with technical experts at Deakin, such as A2I2, IISRI, School of IT and beyond to deliver world-class digital health research and improve health and well-being.