John Cairney

With over 25 years of experience in research, consulting, and education, John is a leading expert in sport, physical literacy and child health, and an accomplished leader in higher education. He is currently the Professor and Head of School in Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Queensland (UQ), where he oversees the strategic direction, academic and research performance, and operational management of the school. He is also the Deputy Executive Director of the UQ 2032 Office of Games Engagement and the Director of the Queensland Centre for Olympic and Paralympic Studies.

John has a proven track record of leading high-performing teams and delivering exceptional outcomes for partners and funders. He has successfully led multiple multi-million dollar projects in Canada and Australia. He has also held senior leadership roles in prestigious institutions, such as the University of Toronto, McMaster University, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Additionally, he has served as the President of two professional associations and provided valuable consultancy to governmental initiatives. John's extensive leadership experience and expertise underscore his reputation as a respected figure in his field.