Kurz-Bio: Professor Carol Maher is a Research Professor and Director of the Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA) at the Adelaide University, Australia. Her research focuses on digital and community-based approaches to improving population health and physical activity. She has published more than 270 peer-reviewed papers and led projects attracting over €16 million in competitive research funding. Professor Maher is internationally recognised as a leader in digital health, ranked among the world’s top 10 experts in multiple domains including chatbots, wearables, and social media health interventions. Her work has directly informed Australian and international policy and has translated into large-scale programs implemented through schools, health services, and government partnerships. She serves on national advisory panels and journal editorial boards, and is passionate about bridging evidence, innovation, and practice to improve community health outcomes.

Abstract: Main topics for the presentation: Professor Maher’s keynote will explore how digital health technologies can be used to promote physical activity and wellbeing in community settings. Drawing on large-scale systematic reviews and real-world projects, including national initiatives using apps, wearables and AI-based virtual health coaching, she will highlight the design principles and implementation strategies that make digital approaches effective, engaging and equitable. The presentation will consider how evidence can be translated into scalable solutions that reach broad populations beyond clinical care.