Lee Ashton

Dr. Lee Ashton is a Senior Research Academic at the University of Newcastle's School of Education, specializing in health and nutrition research targeting young Australian adults. His work focuses on developing evidence-based digital tools to combat diet misinformation and promote healthy eating habits among 18-25 year olds, a critical age for establishing lifelong health behaviors.

• University of Newcastle, School of Education
• Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition

Dr. Ashton holds a PhD from the University of Newcastle (2017), a Master of Science in Nutrition, Obesity & Health from the University of Leeds (2011), and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science from Leeds Beckett University (2010).

His research centers on developing and evaluating user-driven, gender-tailored healthy lifestyle programs using innovative technologies to improve physical activity, eating habits, and well-being in young adults. He has created a significant research profile in chronic disease prevention, young adult health, eHealth, participatory research, and health behavior change interventions. Dr. Ashton is particularly known for leading the 'No Money, No Time' website project, which addresses the dual challenges of limited time and money faced by young adults through practical meal solutions and dietary assessment tools.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on interventions targeting young adults, particularly examining gender-specific approaches, digital health solutions, and the relationship between diet quality and health outcomes. His work increasingly incorporates cultural adaptation for specific populations, including Aboriginal communities, and examines workplace health promotion in unique settings like the coal mining industry.

• 2018 nib foundation youth week NSW champion
• 2017 International Award for Best Student Oral Presentation
• 2017 Best Theme Paper (Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition)
• Numerous travel grants and scholarships from the Australian Academy of Science and Hunter Medical Research Institute
• 2011 National Alpro Foundation Award for best MSc Thesis in the UK

Dr. Ashton has secured significant funding for projects including the 'No Money, No Time' website (supported by nib foundation) and has supervised numerous research projects focused on young adult health. His work demonstrates strong community engagement through massive open online courses (MOOCs) that have reached over 57,000 students from 180+ countries, as well as through the 'Daughters and Dads' program that engages fathers in their children's physical activity and well-being.

His primary research lab focuses on digital health interventions, with the 'No Money, No Time' website serving as a central platform that includes the Healthy Eating Quiz assessment tool. The project involves cross-disciplinary collaboration with experts in User-Experience (UX), digital health, marketing, and science communication to translate complex research data into accessible information for young adults.