Associate Professor Morwenna Kirwan
Senior Research Fellow
Professional Qualifications
2023 | Associate Fellow (Indigenous) of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) | World-first accredited specialist award focusing on integration of Indigenous Perspectives into Learning and Teaching
2020 | Senior Fellowship of UK Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)
Academic Qualifications
2013 | Doctor of Philosophy | Central Queensland University | The Effectiveness of Smartphone Applications to Improve Health Behaviours
2009 | Master of Human Movement Science | Central Queensland University | The Psychological Predictors of Athlete Selection and Acceptance in a Talent Identification Program
2008 | Bachelor of Human Movement Science (Information Technology) | Central Queensland University | GPA 6.5, Graduated with Distinction
2003 | Bachelor of Business (Information Systems) | Central Queensland University | GPA 6.5, Graduated with Distinction
Faculty of DVC Academic
NG Academic Programs
I am a Senior Research Fellow at UNSW with a PhD in Health Behaviour Change. My research focuses on digital health interventions and community-based exercise programs, particularly for priority populations—including older adults, people with diabetes, and culturally diverse communities.
I lead and co-lead studies that explore the use of smartphone applications, web-delivered platforms, and clinician-led group exercise models to promote health behaviour change and improve clinical outcomes. Over the past two years, I've contributed to securing more than $4.1 million in competitive research funding (MRFF) and published widely on the effectiveness of community-based group exercise interventions to improve health outcomes. I've contributed to the development and evaluation of evidence-based exercise and lifestyle programs that support sustainable health improvements in community settings.
With over twenty years of experience in higher education education and fifteen years in research and health technology innovation, I bring expertise in curriculum development, educational leadership, and translational research implementation. My work is grounded in values of cultural responsiveness, innovation, and practical impact—ensuring that interventions create meaningful health benefits for diverse communities.
E-mail
- Publications
- Media
- Grants
- Awards
- Research Activities
- Engagement
- Teaching and Supervision
2024–2028 | Preventing Progression and Complications of Atrial Fibrillation in Priority Populations (PePP Study)
Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) | CIF | $2.3M
National mixed-methods study exploring wearable technologies and early detection models in underserved communities.
2024–2029 | Preventing Indigenous CVD and Diabetes through Exercise (PrIDE Study)
Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) | CIH | $1.8M
Targeted intervention and implementation study supporting high-risk remote communities.
2024 | Winner - Teaching Excellence (Team Award) | Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences Education & Employability Symposium Awards | Cultural Safety in Practice for Health Professionals
2023 | Winner - Inclusive Teaching (Team Award) | Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences Education Awards | Cultural Safety in Practice for Health Professionals
2023 | Finalist - Learning and Teaching Excellence (Team Award, Team Lead) | Australian Financial Review Higher Education Awards | Connected Curriculum for Professionals in Health
2023 | Winner - Teaching Innovation (Team Award) | Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Award | Australian Lymphoedema Education, Research and Training Microcredential Course
2023 | Winner - Teaching Excellence (Team Award) | Department of Health Sciences Education Symposium Awards | Cultural Safety in Practice for Health Professionals
2021 | Winner - Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (Team Award, Team Lead) | Australian Awards for University Teaching | Connected Curriculum for Professionals in Health
2021 | Winner - Mentor of the Year (Peer Nominated) | Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences Learning and Teaching Awards
2020 | Winner - Learning Innovation (Team Award, Team Lead) | Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching Award | Connected Curriculum for Professionals in Health
2013 | Best paper and research presentation on mobile health | Medicine 2.0 Conference, Harvard Medical School | iMedicalApps and Medicine 2.0 mHealth Research Award