About the Holsworth Research Initiative

Transition to the Holsworth Biomedical Research Centre

The La Trobe Holsworth Research Initiative, established in late 2019, was founded with the objective of addressing the global challenges of physical inactivity and chronic disease while enhancing human performance. The Initiative has made a significant contribution to advancing research in exercise, physical activity, and rehabilitation, with a strong emphasis on improving health outcomes in regional and rural communities.

Over the past five years, the Initiative has achieved considerable success, including:

• $2,206,200 in external grant funding secured (2019–2024)
• $766,000 awarded but not yet received
• 12 higher-degree research student completions, with an additional 8 currently enrolled
• 44 peer-reviewed publications directly associated with student research
• 103 total publications, with an average journal impact factor of 4.0

These outcomes reflect the dedication of our research teams and collaborators, and the strong support of our partners. In recognition of the Initiative’s evolving focus and growing scope, the Holsworth Research Initiative will now transition into a broader entity—the Holsworth Biomedical Research Centre. This evolution will build upon the Initiative’s established strengths and enable the formation of a more comprehensive research platform.

This transition marks the natural progression of the Holsworth Research Initiative, as it expands its reach and impact through a more integrated and interdisciplinary biomedical research model. We extend our sincere thanks to all those who have contributed to the success of the Holsworth Research Initiative. We look forward to continuing this important work under the banner of the Holsworth Biomedical Research Centre and welcome ongoing engagement from our collaborators, partners, and the wider community.

Our research turbo-charges the La Trobe Rural Health School’s research strengths in exercise, physical activity and rehabilitation.

Using multi-disciplinary approaches, the Holsworth Research Initiative tackles important industry-relevant questions to influence health policy and practice in regional locations, Australia and internationally.

Read more about our research team and current projects.

OUR MISSION

To conduct translational research with an exercise and physical activity focus that reduces inequalities by improving the health and well-being for individuals and communities in regional and rural locations.

The Holsworth Research Initiative objectives purposefully align with the La Trobe Rural Health School strategic goals and the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals.

• To be recognised as a leader in exercise and physical activity-focused research that improves the health and wellbeing of regional and rural individuals and communities.
• To conduct exercise and physical activity-focused research that is excellent and translates to real world change through development of policy, practice, service and behaviour change.
• To conduct exercise and physical activity-focused research that addresses the needs of regional and rural stakeholders.
• To be accountable, connected, innovative and caring in our partnerships and engagements with all stakeholders that support, contribute and benefit from the work that we do.
• To access funding and resources that will sustain and grow the HRI.