Trish Gorely

Trish Gorely is a Professor in Physical Activity for Health at the University of the Highlands and Islands and leads research initiatives at the Centre for Rural Health Sciences. Her work bridges behavioral epidemiology with practical health interventions.

• PhD, University of Western Australia
• MEd, University of Western Australia
• BPhEd (Distinction), University of Otago

Research Interests focus on:

• Psychological and behavioral determinants of physical activity
• Sedentary behavior measurement
• Behavior change interventions for chronic disease prevention
• Physical activity in high-risk populations (diabetes, cardiovascular disease)

Recent Publications examine behavior change trials (100+ citations), wearable technology validation, and pandemic-related spatial health disparities. Her OPTIMA systematic review (2025) and Girls Active RCT (2021) demonstrate intervention effectiveness.

Grants include funding from:

• Medical Research Council
• National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
• Government health departments
• Commercial health technology partners

Public Engagement includes 2018 RSE Science Masterclasses and widespread media coverage of digital health studies (BBC, The Times, 2021).