Professor Narelle Eather is a Professor in Health and Physical Education at the University of Newcastle, a Senior Research Fellow within the Australian Sports Commission’s Play Well Research Unit, and a Senior Researcher and Research Lead for Community Sport and Physical Activity in the University’s Global Sport and Movement Collaborative.

Her research focuses on promoting physical activity, physical fitness, and sport participation across the lifespan, with particular expertise in school- and community-based interventions targeting children and adolescents. She is internationally recognised for her work in designing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based programs that enhance physical, psychological, and social outcomes through sport and physical activity.

Professor Eather has an extensive publication record in high-impact journals and has secured substantial competitive research funding. She collaborates widely with government agencies, education systems, and sporting organisations to translate research into policy and practice at scale.

Her work is strongly aligned with national priorities to improve sport participation and experiences, with a focus on inclusivity, quality coaching, and sustainable engagement. Through her research and leadership, she contributes to advancing evidence-informed approaches that strengthen communities and improve health and wellbeing across diverse populations.

Drawing on over 40 years of personal involvement in sport as an athlete, coach, and official—from community to elite levels—she brings a deep, practical understanding of sport systems to her research, reinforcing her commitment to creating positive and inclusive sporting experiences for all.