Luke Wolfenden

Professor Luke Wolfenden is an NHMRC Investigator Fellow and Professor at the University of Newcastle's School of Medicine and Public Health. He is an international leader in implementation and behavioral science with extensive research experience in chronic disease prevention. His work focuses on translating evidence into practice to improve population health outcomes through targeted health programs and multi-system change.

Professor Wolfenden's educational background includes a PhD, BSc, and BSc (Hons), all from the University of Newcastle. His research expertise spans public health, implementation science, knowledge translation, and behavioral science, with particular focus on trials and evidence synthesis to identify effective health interventions.

His primary research interests center on chronic disease prevention, with specific focus on reducing modifiable risk factors including obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. He employs learning health systems approaches to generate evidence and rapidly optimize chronic disease prevention programs in community and clinical settings. His work draws heavily on organizational and behavioral perspectives to reduce chronic disease risks across the lifespan.

Professor Wolfenden's research has had significant policy impact globally and nationally. His evidence synthesis work has informed international policy through organizations like the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations and the World Health Organization. His practical implementations include the 'Good Sports' alcohol management program (implemented in over 11,000 clubs), Feed Australia healthy eating program (in over 6,000 early childhood services), and the 'Swap It' healthy lunchbox initiative (in over 700 schools).

• NHMRC Investigator Fellow
• Director of NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence ('National Centre of Implementation Science')
• Director of WHO Evidence Informed Policy Network program
• Co-Director of WHO Collaborating Centre for Evidence-based Non-Communicable Disease Program Implementation (until 2022)
• Executive roles on international scientific societies including the International Society of Behavioural Medicine

Professor Wolfenden oversees a research team of more than 50 staff integrated into the Hunter New England Local Health District. He has served as a consultant to government departments and non-government organizations, contributing to the development of the $79 million NSW Ministry of Health 'Healthy Children's Initiative'. His work with the Collaborative for Enhanced Research Impact has supported the advancement of over 100 early and mid-career researchers through formal mentoring programs of professional associations in Australia and internationally.

He leads several significant research projects including global synthesis of evidence on preventing e-cigarette use among adolescents (funded by the Medical Research Future Fund), development of healthy lunchbox programs for schools across multiple Australian states, and interventions to improve physical activity implementation in schools. His work with the WHO involves developing guidance for learning health systems to strengthen health service systems globally. His satisfaction comes from seeing his developed programs implemented in real-world settings like childcare services, schools, and sports clubs, creating tangible positive impacts on community health and wellbeing.