The Deakin Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition works to transform research into real-world action.
Our researchers have had wide-reaching impact on policy and practice, shaping guidelines, resources, position statements, and evidence-based programs, both in Australia and internationally.
Our flagship programs
INFANT: Improving health in the early years
The INFANT program helps families with healthy eating, active play and reduced screen time from the start of their baby’s life. It is widely recognised as a gold-standard program for supporting healthy habits from early life.
TransformUs: Transforming teaching, inspiring learning
TransformUs is a world-first education and health approach focused on engagement and positive classroom environments. The program empowers schools to create active learning environments for better student engagement and health outcomes.
Many years of collaboration between the Peter Mac Nutrition team and IPAN has built new and fostered existing relationships – all to advance research and clinical care in the field of cancer nutrition. Together, we have amplified knowledge, practices and implementation efforts that have directly impacted and improved outcomes for people with cancer.
Shaping guidelines, policy and practice
Sarcopenia and muscle health management
Our researchers are international leaders in the prevention, diagnosis and management of sarcopenia, a condition causing loss of muscle mass and function.
- Global guidelines: In a world first project led by our researchers, the Australian and New Zealand Society for Sarcopenia and Frailty Research released a set of international guidelines designed to improve the clinical management of sarcopenia. This led to the release of 17 international guidelines to improve clinical management of the condition.
- World-first tools: Our team led the development of the first of its kind Australian Muscle Health Monitoring and Management in Primary Care tool, now widely used across Australia to screen, assess and manage sarcopenia.
Addressing cancer-related malnutrition
We led national efforts to improve early identification and care for cancer-related malnutrition, reducing healthcare costs and improving outcomes.
- National standards: Led the development of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) 2020 position statement that has shaped national guidelines and informed clinical practice.
- Implementation: Our researchers led the development of COSA’s implementation toolkit for malnutrition and sarcopenia.
Food and nutrition
- Vitamin D: Our research on Vitamin D has been incorporated into national food databases and the Australian Bureau of Statistics is now estimating usual vitamin D intake to include in their reports from the 2023-2024 Australian Health Survey.
- Eating patterns: Our research on eating patterns directly informed international recommendations for a research definition of an eating occasion. The methodology is the current recommended approach and is cited in a scientific statement by the American Heart Association.
Highlighting the role of gender in research
- Improving health research gender standards: We informed the first joint NHMRC-MRFF statement on Sex and Gender in Health and Medical Research. The groundbreaking guidelines encourage NHMRC and MRFF-funded researchers to consider characteristics such as sex, gender and sexual orientation in their research.
Optimising public spaces for wellbeing
Over 20 years, we have researched how park design can increase visitation and encourage healthy behaviours across all age groups.
- Global influence: Findings informed a World Health Organization (WHO) review on urban green space interventions.
- Urban planning: Our research has directly shaped health policy and urban design policy and practice.
High-performance and physical activity
- Elite athletics: We developed evidence-based nutritional frameworks for high-performance athletes affiliated with Athletics Australia. These frameworks have been widely adopted by practitioners across different national sporting organisations and implemented in the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- Physical activity: Our work informed the Australian Government’s national guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour including 24-hour movement guidelines for all life stages
- Physical Literacy: Over several years, we’ve worked with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) on physical literacy, including co-leading the Australian Physical Literacy Framework and leading the development of a measurement tool used by researchers in 22 countries.
For several years, Diabetes Victoria and IPAN have worked side by side to advance diabetes knowledge and care. We’ve collaborated to enrich prevention programs, support student placements, and develop research projects that make a real difference for people living with or at risk of diabetes. IPAN experts regularly share practical, evidence-based insights our community can apply daily.
Together, we turn research into action, improving care and advocacy for every Victorian affected by diabetes.
Work with us
Work with leading researchers in active living, sport, food and nutrition. We partner with government, industry and community to make a meaningful impact.