From 5 to 7 May, the Department of Health and Physical Education (HPE) was delighted to host Professor Melody Ding from the University of Sydney. As a Professor of Public Health and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, Professor Ding brought a wealth of expertise to our department, helping us further our goal of building stronger international research ties.

The visit kicked off with Professor Ding joining our Departmental Research and Development Committee (DRDC) meeting. It was a productive session where our committee members could talk directly with her about our current initiatives. Having her international perspective was incredibly helpful as we look for new ways to shape the department’s research direction.
 
Professor Ding led two engaging sessions that challenged us to look at our work from new angles:

• 5 May: “It is more than what you think: why Physical Activity Promotion Needs Rebranding”
• 6 May: “Active Research vs Inactive Population: Navigating Physical Activity Research in a Complex World”

Rather than just presenting data, Professor Ding shared her own reflections on her journey as a researcher. These candid insights gave our staff and students a more personal look at the challenges of public health and inspired us to think creatively about tackling physical inactivity.

Outside of the lecture hall, Professor Ding spent time with our team during executive luncheons, where the conversation continued in a more relaxed setting. The visit wrapped up on 7 May with a focused consultation session. Our academic staff discuss multi-disciplinary research, collaborations etc. with Professor Ding.

We are grateful to Professor Ding for such a rewarding visit and look forward to the collaborations that will grow from this visit.