The GACD e-Hub team

We are a group of implementation science experts specialising in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We have created this free e-Hub to provide resources and support for researchers who want to learn more about the field of implementation science, particularly in relation to chronic NCDs in lower resourced settings.

Led and funded by the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD), with collaborative support from the Baker Heart & Diabetes Center and Monash University, the GACD e-Hub is a dynamic platform designed to propel learners into the forefront of implementation science. We are dedicated to empowering the next generation to excel in implementation science and NCDs, tackling some of the biggest issues of our time.

Our expert team of implementation scientists from around the globe ensures that the e-Hub remains at the cutting edge of the field.

Prof Brian Oldenburg

Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and LaTrobe University, Australia

Brian is a leading global expert in chronic disease prevention and control. As Professor of Public Health and Implementation Science at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and La Trobe University, he focuses on cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. He previously headed the NCD Unit at the University of Melbourne.

Dr Morven Roberts

Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD)

Morven is a global health expert with over 15 years of research experience in tropical infectious diseases. She transitioned to global health funding at the UK Medical Research Council, overseeing clinical trials and global health initiatives. With a growing focus on chronic diseases, she joined GACD as Chief Executive in 2019.

Isobel Bandurek RD

Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases

Izzy is GACD’s Research Capacity Manager, driving network and capacity building initiatives. A registered dietitian with public health expertise, she previously worked for the World Cancer Research Fund, with homeless young people in London (UK), and in clinical roles with the UK’s National Health Service.

Dr Zahra Aziz

Monash University, Australia

e-Learning Advisor

Zahra is a Lecturer at Monash University, leading online education innovation for the GDPA course. As an implementation scientist, she also holds research positions at the University of Melbourne and the WHO Collaborating Centre.

Prof Pilvikki Absetz

Tampere University, Finland

Senior e-Hub Advisor

Pilvikki is a leading expert in behavioural interventions for chronic disease prevention and management. With over 20 years of experience, she specialiaes in implementing evidence-based programs in various settings worldwide. Her work focuses on applying theories to real-world implementation research.

Kevin Mao

University of Melbourne, Australia

e-Hub Project Manager

Kevin is a Doctor of Medicine (MD) candidate with the University of Melbourne and aspiring clinician-scientist focused on public health. He is applying his biomedical background to population health research with Professor Brian Oldenburg.

Dr Mahesh Kumbukage

e-Hub Content Manager

Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Australia

Mahesh is a medical doctor and public health specialist with extensive experience in Sri Lanka. He is an Adjunct Research Fellow at La Trobe University and a Visiting Academic at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. His research focuses on NCDs, implementation science, and health systems.

What next?

  • Find out about real-life implementation research for non-communicable diseases with our case studies – click here
  • Explore resources and toolkits in our curated library – click here
  • Work through the content of our Fundamentals Programme – click here

We are keen to receive your feedback on the e-Hub to improve it further. Please consider completing a short survey, available here.

If you would like to provide more detailed feedback, please contact us at contact.ehub@implementationscience-gacd.org.