Morwenna Kirwan

Associate Professor Morwenna Kirwan is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) with a PhD in Health Behaviour Change. She has over twenty years of experience in higher education and fifteen years in research and health technology innovation, bringing expertise in curriculum development, educational leadership, and translational research implementation.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in "The Effectiveness of Smartphone Applications to Improve Health Behaviours" from Central Queensland University (2013)
• Master of Human Movement Science from Central Queensland University (2009)
• Bachelor of Human Movement Science (Information Technology) from Central Queensland University (2008)
• Bachelor of Business (Information Systems) from Central Queensland University (2003)
• Senior Fellowship of UK Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) (2020)
• Associate Fellow (Indigenous) of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) (2023)

Associate Professor Kirwan's research focuses on digital health interventions and community-based exercise programs for priority populations including older adults, people with diabetes, and culturally diverse communities. She leads and co-leads studies exploring smartphone applications, web-delivered platforms, and clinician-led group exercise models to promote health behavior change and improve clinical outcomes. Her work is grounded in values of cultural responsiveness, innovation, and practical impact—ensuring interventions create meaningful health benefits for diverse communities.

She has contributed to securing more than $4.1 million in competitive research funding, including:

• Preventing Progression and Complications of Atrial Fibrillation in Priority Populations (PePP Study), MRFF, $2.3M (2024-2028)
• Preventing Indigenous CVD and Diabetes through Exercise (PrIDE Study), MRFF, $1.8M (2024-2029)

Associate Professor Kirwan has received numerous teaching and learning awards, particularly for her work on Cultural Safety in Practice for Health Professionals and Connected Curriculum for Professionals in Health. Her awards include multiple team awards from the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Australian Awards for University Teaching, and Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Awards.

With expertise spanning health behavior change, digital health technologies, and culturally responsive interventions, Associate Professor Kirwan continues to make significant contributions to improving health outcomes in community settings through innovative research and educational leadership.