As the leading institution, the UWK team provides interdisciplinary expertise in health psychology, implementation science, health economics, and systems thinking. The team is responsible for the project’s scientific leadership, intervention development, research design, and overall coordination, as well as the evaluation of the program’s feasibility, impact, and sustainability.
Dr Marlene Kritz
Dr Marlene Kritz, a clinical and health psychologist and researcher at the University for Continuing Education Krems, with an adjunct affiliation at Curtin University, developed and leads the project. Her work focuses on health psychology, implementation research, and participatory approaches to health promotion with vulnerable groups. She is responsible for the project’s scientific development, implementation, strategic coordination across partners, and evaluation of the intervention.
Dr Walter Hyll- Co-Investigator
Contributes expertise in health economics, with a particular focus on economic evaluation and cost-effectiveness analysis.
Prof. Dr Doris Behrens- Co-Investigator
Contributes expertise in systems thinking, supporting the integration of complex system perspectives in the design and evaluation of the intervention.
Dr Selma Parzer- Postdoctoral Associate
A postdoctoral researcher with a background in health sciences, Dr Parzer serves as the project’s operational coordinator, overseeing day-to-day project management and the implementation of project activities.
****The SDU Team provides as part of their lab DRIVEN internationally recognised expertise in motivation and behaviour-change theory, intervention design, and sport and exercise psychology. Their work informs the project’s theoretical framework and supports the development of evidence-based, motivation-enhancing strategies.
Prof. Nikos Ntoumanis, PhD- Co-Investigator
Provides internationally recognised expertise in motivation science and behaviour-change theory. His work informs the project’s theoretical framework, particularly the application of Self-Determination Theory and motivation-enhancing strategies to support sustained engagement in physical activity among older adults.
Prof. Cecilie Thøgersen-Ntoumani, PhD- Co-Investigator
Contributes expertise in sport and exercise psychology, particularly in the design and evaluation of physical activity interventions that promote both physical and mental wellbeing. Her work supports the development of evidence-based approaches to encourage safe, inclusive, and engaging physical activity for older adults.
The Curtin team brings experience working with vulnerable older adults, mall-walking programs, and community-based physical activity initiatives, providing practical insights into how such programs can be implemented and sustained in real-world settings.
Dr. Bristi Bartataki- Co-Investigator