Jo Salmon

(she/her)

7

Articles

0

Comments

Professor Jo Salmon is globally recognised for her expertise in young people's physical activity and sedentary behaviour, particularly in the school and home settings. She is a Deakin University Distinguished Professor, a member of the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, and is a recipient of a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Leadership Level 3 Fellowship.

Professor Salmon has published over 500 peer-reviewed papers, and secured more than $40 million in research grants. Her research focus is on promoting young people's physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour and ensuring equitable access to active, healthy learning environments. Her main research focus has been on the impact of a whole-of-school physical activity initiative, Transform-Us, which is currently reaching over 950 primary, secondary and special schools nationally.

Professor Salmon was a Highly Cited Researcher (Clarivate Analytics) for nine consecutive years and is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. She has received both national and international awards for her contributions to public health research and leadership, including the International Society of Behavioral Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award, and Engagement Australia's 2025 Award for Research Impact.

She founded the Asia Pacific Society for Physical Activity (an Australian registered charity) in late 2019, whose purpose is to bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to share expertise, build capacity, and promote the integration of physical activity into health, education, sport, recreation, transport, and urban planning policies. Professor Salmon’s work is influential in shaping Australian policy, curriculum delivery, and the school built environment, all aimed at helping schools and communities support young people have more active and better quality lives.

Experience

  • 2025–present
    Leadership Level 3 Fellowship, National Health and Medical Research Council, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University
  • 2020–2025
    Director, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition , Deakin University
  • 2020–2025
    Leadership Level 2 Fellowship, National Health and Medical Research Council , Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University
  • 2016–2020
    Co-Director, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University
  • 2012–2017
    Principal Research Fellowship, National Health and Medical Research Council , Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University
  • 2007–2012
    National Heart Foundation of Australia Career Development Fellow, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University

Education

  • 2000 
    Deakin University, PhD
  • 1987 
    La Trobe University, Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Hons Psych)
  • 1984 
    Monash University, Bachelor of Arts

Research Areas

  • Human Movement And Sports Science (1106)
  • Public Health And Health Services (1117)

Honours

Elected fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences

Contact Jo for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration