Professor David Lubans is Director of the Global Sport and Movement Collaborative at the University of Newcastle, Australia. He is a former Australian Research Council Future Fellow (2014–2018) and National Health and Medical Research Council Senior Research Fellow (2019–2023).

His multidisciplinary research focuses on the design, evaluation, and dissemination of interventions to enhance the quantity and quality of physical activity in school settings. A defining feature of this work is its strong emphasis on implementation and real-world impact, with many projects conducted in partnership with government and non-government organisations responsible for delivering physical activity programs.

A complementary strand of Professor Lubans’ research examines the effects of physical activity on mental health, cognitive function, and complex social issues. His work has helped to clarify the mechanisms through which movement influences psychological well-being and educational outcomes, particularly among children and adolescents.

Professor Lubans has published more than 400 peer-reviewed articles across Education, Psychology, Public Health, and Sport Science. Based on citation metrics, he is ranked among the top 1% of social science researchers worldwide, reflecting the influence and reach of his research.