Dawn Skelton

Dawn Skelton is Professor of Physiotherapy at Glasgow Caledonian University with over 30 years of experience in exercise physiology and falls prevention research. She has established herself as a leading international expert in translating research into practice for older adults, particularly focusing on strength and balance exercise to prevent falls and fractures.

Her research interests span falls prevention, physical activity for older adults, sedentary behavior, geriatrics, and implementation science. Skelton specializes in knowledge translation and stakeholder engagement, working closely with patients, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and commissioners to ensure research findings are effectively implemented in practice settings. She has developed the FaME Implementation Toolkit endorsed by NICE and founded Later Life Training, a nonprofit organization that has trained over 9,000 professionals across the UK, Europe, and Singapore.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on evidence-based falls prevention, implementation science, and health promotion for older adults. Her work increasingly examines cost-effectiveness of interventions, real-world implementation challenges, and the impact of external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity and falls among older populations. There's a clear translational emphasis across her research portfolio, with publications spanning systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, implementation studies, and policy guidance.

• 2017 - British Geriatrics Society Marjory Warren Lifetime Achievement Medal
• 2016 - Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
• 2016 - Honorary Fellowship of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
• 2015 - Honorary Doctorate (MD h.c.) from the University of Umeä, Sweden

Professor Skelton has led or been co-investigator on research grants totaling £15 million. Her leadership extends to major international projects including serving as Scientific Coordinator for ProFaNE (Prevention of Falls Network Europe) and work package lead in ProFouND. She currently chairs the British Geriatric Society Rehabilitation Group and serves on the National Falls Prevention Coordination Group. Her advisory roles include the Scientific Advisory Board for the MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and the Royal Osteoporosis Society Clinical and Scientific Advisory Community.

Through her nonprofit Later Life Training organization, she has created a significant training infrastructure that bridges research and practice, with notable impact on professional development in falls prevention and exercise for older adults across multiple countries.