Nora Shields

Professor Nora Shields is a leading research physiotherapist and Research Director at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University. Her work focuses on enhancing physical activity and community participation for people with disabilities, particularly youth with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism. She is the founder of the evidence-based FitSkills program, which pairs young people with disabilities with student mentors in community gyms.

• PhD, Trinity College Dublin
• BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy, Trinity College Dublin
• Graduate Diploma in Statistics, Trinity College Dublin
• Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, La Trobe University

Her research interests center on disability-inclusive physical activity, rehabilitation science, and implementation of community-based exercise programs. She employs both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to evaluate intervention effectiveness, accessibility, and participant experience. Her work bridges clinical practice, public health, and health policy, with strong emphasis on co-design and lived experience.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent focus on physical activity across diverse disability populations—autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and Prader-Willi syndrome. The studies employ scoping reviews, qualitative interviews, feasibility trials, and mixed methods to assess barriers, facilitators, and outcomes of participation. Key themes include gym accessibility, motivational strategies, telerehabilitation, and intersectoral collaboration.

Her scientific awards include:

• 2021 VicHealth Leading Health Promotion Research Award
• 2020 Victorian Sports Awards – Active Recreation Initiative of the Year
• La Trobe University Excellence in Graduate Research Supervision Award (2021)

Nora Shields has secured substantial research funding from NHMRC, MRFF, and philanthropic bodies to support projects like FitSkills and interventions for Prader-Willi syndrome. She actively supervises higher degree research students and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across universities, healthcare, and community organizations. Her advisory roles include committee membership on the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health.

She leads research teams focused on evaluating and scaling community-university partnerships, developing assessment tools for physical function, and improving health equity through inclusive physical activity. Her work is highly collaborative, involving people with lived experience, clinicians, and policymakers.