ProfessorJenny Veitch

My research aims to understand how aspects of the neighbourhood built environment may influence physical activity across the lifespan. I have a particular research interest in the role of parks and public open spaces and how features of parks may be associated with visitation and park-based physical activity and other behaviours such as social connectedness.

I led an Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery project (ProjectPARK) that identified the most important characteristics of parks to increase park visitation, park-based physical activity and social connectedness among children, adolescents, and older adults (2017-2020). I also led an ARC Linkage Grant that involved a natural experiment that examined the impact of park renewal on park use and park-based physical activity (2013-2016).

My research includes a range of methodologies and study design including natural experiments, audits, surveys, walk-along interviews, qualitative interviews and focus groups. I am committed to the translation of my work to inform park design and policy. I work closely with stakeholders throughout my research.