Kylie Ball

Kylie Ball is a distinguished researcher and academic at Deakin University, specializing in public health with a focus on physical activity and nutrition. As an Alfred Deakin Professor at the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) within the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, she has made significant contributions to her field.13

Research and Achievements

Professor Ball's research program aims to improve population nutrition and physical activity behaviors while reducing socioeconomic inequities in health.2 Her work has had a substantial impact, informing state and national prevention agendas and community-based programs that have improved health behaviors and reduced chronic disease risk.2

Some of her notable achievements include:

• Recognition as a three-time Thomson Reuters/Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher, placing her in the top 1% of researchers in her field internationally1
• Election as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences15
• Appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in June 2021 for significant service in her field1

Career Progression

After obtaining her PhD from the University of Newcastle, Kylie joined the faculty at Deakin University.1 By the age of 35, she had already served in key leadership positions for national and international bodies, including as President of the International Society for Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity.2

Mentorship and Advocacy

Professor Ball is known for her commitment to mentoring early and mid-career researchers, both nationally and internationally. She is particularly active in mentoring and advocating for women researchers.2 In line with this commitment, she founded the Happy Academic blog, which provides guidance to early and mid-career researchers navigating academia.14

Additional Initiatives

Building on the success of her blog, Kylie launched Indago Academy, which offers support and training to early and mid-career researchers, including a course on securing grants and fellowships.1

Kylie Ball's contributions to public health research, her leadership in academia, and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of researchers have established her as a prominent figure in her field.