Paul Kelly

Dr Paul Kelly is a Lecturer in Physical Activity for Health at the University of Edinburgh's Moray House School of Education and Sport, based at the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC). He holds a PhD from the University of Oxford, focusing on travel behavior measurement validity. His research evaluates initiatives to increase physical activity, with a focus on walking and cycling interventions, including the impact of 20mph speed limits in Edinburgh and Belfast. He also specializes in improving physical activity assessment methods through valid and reliable measures.

Current research includes evaluating urban transport policies, systematic reviews of large cohort studies, and exploring mental health benefits of physical activity. Collaborations involve institutions like the University of Bristol and Cambridge, with a focus on interdisciplinary public health approaches.

His publications highlight the cardiovascular and mental health benefits of active travel, while addressing potential risks like air pollution exposure. Teaching spans physical activity epidemiology, measurement methodologies, and health promotion strategies.

Key projects include the Edinburgh-Belfast 20mph speed limit evaluation and the IOC Olympian Health Cohort study. His work emphasizes pragmatic evaluation and translating research into policy, such as the Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) for walking/cycling.