Rate My Professor David Lubans

Professor David Lubans is Professor of Health and Physical Education in the School of Education at the University of Newcastle, Australia, within the College of Human and Social Futures. He earned a PhD and a Master of Educational Research Methodology from the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. His academic career at the University of Newcastle began in 1999 as an Associate Lecturer in Health Studies and University Internship Supervisor, followed by roles as PDHPE Teacher with the NSW Department of Education and Training (1998-1999), Physical Education Teacher and Strength and Conditioning Coach at St Edwards School in Oxford, UK (2002-2005), and Strength and Conditioning Coach at Newbury Rugby Football Club, UK (2005-). He advanced to Lecturer at the University of Newcastle in 2006, Senior Lecturer in the Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition (2009-2011), and currently holds his professorial position. Lubans serves as Global Sport and Movement Collaborative Director, Co-Director of the Centre for Active Living and Learning, Theme Leader for Physical Activity and Nutrition, NHMRC Senior Research Fellow (2018-), former ARC Future Fellow (2014-2018), and Visiting Professor at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. He has supervised 26 higher degree research students to completion and collaborates internationally across Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, and Europe.

An internationally recognized leader in school-based physical activity interventions, Professor Lubans has been chief investigator on over 40 projects benefiting large numbers of children and adolescents, including iPLAY (delivered in 135 NSW primary schools reaching more than 20,000 children), Burn 2 Learn (NHMRC-funded study on HIIT effects on adolescent brain structure and function), Resistance Training for Teens, Dads And Daughters Exercising and Empowered (DADEE), eco*fit, Active 1+FUN, and Physical Activity 4 Everyone. Grounded in behavioral science theories, socio-ecological models, and self-determination theory (SAAFE principles), his research addresses physical inactivity, cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, screen-time reduction, obesity prevention, and the neurobiological, psychosocial, and behavioral mechanisms linking physical activity to cognitive and mental health outcomes in youth, including those from disadvantaged communities. With over 350 peer-reviewed publications, nearly 50,000 citations, and recognition as a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (top 1%) in Social Sciences (2019-2022) and Cross-Field (2023) categories, Lubans has secured over $45 million across 98 grants from NHMRC, ARC, and international funders. He serves on expert committees for physical activity policy and practice, has received awards including the College Excellence Award for Research (2023), Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Research Supervision Excellence (2017), and Hunter Medical Research Institute Director’s Award for Mid-career Research (2017), and contributes to teacher training for high-quality physical activity delivery.