Professor Lauren Ball

Researcher biography
My vision for the future of higher education is one where universities are deeply embedded within the communities they serve. Knowledge is created through listening, trust and genuine partnership. Impact comes from being present, responsive and collaborative. My work focuses on improving social license in higher education by developing new ways for universities to work with and alongside communities.
I am a Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing at The University of Queensland, with an international reputation in community health, prevention, health services and policy. Together with my team, I have led research that shapes how communities thrive, with our work recognised through multiple awards for research excellence and real-world impact.
The cornerstone of my work is leading the Springfield Living Lab. Living labs use place, systems thinking and partnership to co-create, test and refine solutions in real-world settings over time. Springfield provides a uniquely rich environment for this approach through its integrated urban design, strong local governance and commitment to innovation across health, education and technology. As Australia’s largest master-planned city, it offers a contained yet complex context for examining how community-led approaches can translate into scalable models for broader application.
As a leader, I bring people together across disciplines, sectors and lived experience to create shared purpose and momentum. I enjoy supporting teams and organisations to imagine what is possible, map pathways forward and turn ambitious ideas into sustained action. My leadership is values-led, collaborative and grounded in practical delivery.
I am always interested in working with people and organisations who share a commitment to community connection, partnership and innovation. Together, we can strengthen trust, build capability and design approaches to teaching, research and engagement that are meaningful for the next generation and broader society.
Please feel free to get in touch to explore opportunities to work together.
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Capitalising on the potential of the primary care setting to facilitate healthy eating in the Australian population National Health and Medical Research Council |