Ronald Plotnikoff

Professor Ronald Plotnikoff is the Founding Chair in Physical Activity and Population Health Education at the University of Newcastle, where he also serves as Director of the Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition. He co-leads the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) Cardiovascular Program, with a research focus on physical activity interventions for chronic disease prevention (particularly Type 2 Diabetes), health promotion, and behavioral epidemiology. His work spans schools, clinics, workplaces, and communities across Australia and Canada.

• PhD in Medicine (University of Newcastle)
• Bachelor of Arts (Education) (Eastern Washington University)
• Master of Educational Studies & Master of Education (University of Newcastle)

Ronald Plotnikoff has published over 417 journal articles and 111 conference papers, with significant contributions to understanding:

• Physical activity in Type 2 Diabetes management
• Behavioral interventions for sedentary populations
• Urban planning impacts on exercise habits
• Gender-specific health programs
• Digital health (mHealth) applications
• Community-based obesity prevention

His research team has received major honors including:

• NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship (2012)
• CIHR Applied Public Health Chair (2007)
• Killam Professorship (2007)
• University of Alberta Researcher of the Year (2002)

Plotnikoff has supervised over 60 graduate students and 10 postdoctoral fellows, with funding exceeding $55 million over his career. His interdisciplinary collaborations include the Schools of Education, Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, and Medicine and Public Health.