Dr Lauren Ball


My vision is that all Australians are supported by a health care system that allows them to reach their full potential in life. This will be achieved by making nutrition a prominent part of the ongoing care they receive in general practice, the first point of contact with the health care system.
I work with community members, health professionals, education providers and professional bodies to conduct research on how patients can be better supported in general practice to eat well. I implement interventions and programs so that doctors, nurses, dietitians, nutritionists, pharmacists and other health professionals feel confident in nutrition and have the skills to best meet patients’ needs. I also work with Primary Health Networks to better understand how primary care services can be reoriented to put nutrition and other lifestyle behaviours at the forefront of the health care system.
I have published over 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles and attracted over $1 million in research funding from government bodies, non-government organisations and philanthropic foundations. I am a Senior Research Fellow at Griffith University and hold a prestigious National Health and Medical Research Council Fellowship. I am the Associate Editor for the Australian Journal of Primary Health and Executive Committee Member of the Australasian Association for Academic Primary Care. I am a dual-qualified dietitian and exercise physiologist. I am a vibrant and passionate leader in the field of nutrition and medicine.
Do you share my vision? I welcome your contact.
Recent Awards & Prizes
2018 Career Mentoring Award – NHMRC-CRE in Prostate Cancer Survivorship
Mentoring program fostering career planning of future research leaders, AU$4,000
2017 Allied Health Early Career Mentoring Award – Menzies Health Institute Queensland
Mentoring program fostering career planning of future research leaders, AU$5,000
2017 Advance Queensland Women’s Academic Award – Queensland Government
Award recognising female research leaders undertaking maternity leave, AU $13,000
2016 – Griffith University Short-Term Visiting Research Fellowship – Griffith University
To fund collaborators from the University of Cambridge, AU $10,000
2016 – Women’s Advanced Leadership Program Scholarship – Women & Leadership Australia
Competitive scholarship with the Australian School Of Applied Management, AU $3,000
2015 – Vice Chancellor Excellence in an Early Career Researcher Award – Griffith University
Award recognising future research leaders, AU $7,500
2015 – Pro Vice Chancellor Excellence in an Early Career Researcher Award – Griffith University
Award recognising future research leaders, AU $5,000
2015 – Best Applied Science Poster Award – Griffith University
Gold Coast Health & Medical Research Conference, AU $1,000
2015 – Runner Up – Clinicians Challenge Awards – Gold Coast Primary Health Network
Recognition of innovation in primary health care service delivery, AU $5,000
2015 – Finalist – Griffith University Internationalisation Award – Griffith University
Recognition of support for international mobility, AU $3,000
2014 – Griffith University International Travel Fellowship – Griffith University
To fund travel to the University of Cambridge, AU $5,000
2013 – Pro Vice Chancellor Excellence in an Early Career Researcher Award (Highly Commended) – Griffith University
Award recognising future research leaders
2012-13 – Certificates of Appreciation for Professional Contribution – Dietitians Association of Australia
Certificate recognising services as Convenor of the Private Practice Interest Group
2011-12 – Sir Samuel Griffith Lectureship Award – Griffith University
Award for early career academics recognising high quality teaching performance
2012 – Advanced Communicator & Competent Leader Awards – Toastmasters International
International program developing communication and leadership skills
2011- Winner – Griffith Health ‘In a Nutshell’ Competition – Griffith University
Initiative to promote research activities of PhD candidates, AU$500
2011 – Runner up – Griffith University Three Minute Thesis Competition – Griffith University
Initiative to promote research activities of PhD candidates, AU$1,000