Bringing people, ideas and organisations together to create lasting change
Professor Lauren Ball is a researcher, leader and strategist who brings people together around shared goals and turns ideas into meaningful action.
Researcher
Leader
Strategist
Who I am
I am a senior research leader working at the intersection of universities and community impact. Throughout my career, I have been drawn to ambitious opportunities that connect people, ideas and organisations around a shared purpose.
As Chair in Community Health and Wellbeing at The University of Queensland, my work spans community engagement, partnership development, scientific research, team leadership and mentoring. Whether working within communities, universities, professional organisations or health systems, I am passionate about creating the conditions for people and organisations to thrive.
Alongside my academic work, I contribute to a thriving future through board directorships, journal leadership, public speaking, media engagement and advisory roles. Across these activities, I enjoy helping people and organisations navigate complexity and create meaningful change.
My Approach
My view is that meaningful and lasting change happens when people are united by a shared purpose and supported to do their best work.
Therefore, my approach is grounded in collaboration, curiosity and action. I naturally bring together diverse people, perspectives and expertise to take on complex challenges, uncover new opportunities and create momentum for change.
Throughout my career, I have worked across universities, communities, health systems, professional organisations and research teams. These experiences have reinforced my belief that lasting impact rarely comes from one person’s effort. It emerges when people trust one another, contribute their strengths and work towards a future that is bigger than we can individually imagine.
Whether leading teams, advising leaders, shaping strategy or building partnerships, I focus on creating the conditions for people and organisations to thrive.
How people engage with me
People engage with me in a variety of ways, depending on their goals, opportunities and challenges.
Speaking
I regularly speak to academic, professional and community audiences on topics including research leadership, health and wellbeing, leadership development, and creating meaningful change.
Workshops & Retreats
I design and facilitate workshops and retreats that bring people together around shared goals, helping teams, organisations and communities navigate complexity, strengthen strategy for performance and develop practical pathways forward, together.
Advisory & Governance
I contribute strategic advice, governance expertise and independent perspectives through board, committee and advisory roles across health, education and community sectors.
Mentoring & Coaching
I enjoy supporting researchers, professionals and emerging leaders to build confidence, develop their leadership capability and create meaningful impact in their own careers and communities.
Selected Roles & Experience
• Professor and Chair in Community Health and Wellbeing, The University of Queensland
• Board Director, Darling Downs & West Moreton Primary Health Network
• Board Director and Vice President, Dietitians Australia
• Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
Academic Experience at a Glance:
• >200 peer-reviewed publications
• 12 years of continuous nationally competitive research funding
• Supervision of 20 PhD candidates to completion
• National awards for excellence in research leadership, supervision and community impact
Let’s Connect
If you'd like to discuss a speaking engagement, workshop, advisory opportunity, board role, collaboration or simply connect, I'd love to hear from you.
Please use the contact form below or connect with me on LinkedIn.