Rate My Professor Luke Wolfenden

Professor Luke Wolfenden is a Professor and NHMRC Investigator Fellow in the School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, at the University of Newcastle, Australia. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy, Bachelor of Science (Honours), and Bachelor of Science from the University of Newcastle. An international leader in implementation and behavioural science, his research program focuses on chronic disease prevention by addressing modifiable community risks including obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use. This passion originated from his PhD research on a smoking cessation program for patients at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. Wolfenden tackles the research-practice gap, noting that only 14% of health innovations are integrated into policy or practice within 17 years. He conducts trials and evidence syntheses to identify effective interventions and tests dissemination and implementation strategies to enhance adoption of evidence-based practices by organisations such as hospitals, primary care services, schools, childcare centres, and sports clubs. His methodological expertise includes leading over 35 randomised controlled trials and developing guidance on assessing trial quality and applicability in public health and implementation science.