Dr Alison Kirk

Reader

Physical Activity and Health

Personal statement

Alison is a Reader in Physical Activity for Health at Strathclyde University and a core member of the Physical Activity for Health group. She completed a BSc in Physiology and Sports Science at the University of Glasow (1998) before undertaking a PhD through the same university (completed 2003). She was a Lecturer at Dundee University (2003-2008) before moving to Strathclyde University in 2009.

Expertise

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Area of Expertise

Has expertise in:

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour and behaviour change with particular focus on diabetes
Development of interventions to support active lifestyles
Integration of digital technology to support behaviour change

Prize And Awards

HASS Impact to Society Award - Sentinel Project: Recipient; 5/3/2026
National Knowledge Exchange Awards 2026 nomination and shortlisted in category "KE Champion of the Year": Recipient; 2026
National Knowledge Exchange Awards 2026 nomination and shortlisted for Sentinel project in category "Innovation of the Year": Recipient; 2026
National Knowledge Exchange Awards 2026 nomination and shortlisted for Sentinel project in category "Research and Innovation in Digital Health and Social Care": Recipient; 2026
University of Strathclyde Strategic Theme 2025 award - The Sentinel Team: Recipient; 8/2025

More prizes and awards

Publications

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Publications

The development and protocol for testing a co-created digital intervention (Sentinel) to improve mental well-being and help manage and prevent trauma in first responders: Cogan Nicola, Kirk Alison, Graf Christoph; JMIR Research Protocols Vol 15 (2026); https://doi.org/10.2196/72250
Objective physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns among informal carers in the BCS70 cohort: Russell Eilidh, Kirk Alison, Dunlop Mark D, Tse Dwight C K, Egan Kieren; International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol 23 (2026); https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23020242
Co-creation and expert evaluation of a trauma conversation simulator : developing an AI-based training tool to support trauma-informed peer dialogue: Cogan Nicola, O'Hara Ross, Turan Hakan, MacKay Erin, Terzis Sotirios, Kirk Alison, Hodgson William, Whittaker Spence, Orr Dawn, MacIntyre Donald, Graham Patricia, De Kock Hannes, Irvine Fitzpatrick Linda, Rasmussen Susan, Rodriguez Christoph Graf; Innovations in Psychology and Mental Health (2025)
Physical Activity and Health Annual Report 2024: Reilly John, Harrington Deirdre, Hewitt Allan, Hughes Adrienne, Janssen Xanne, Johnston Evelyn, Kirk Alison, McMichan Lauren, Muirhead Fiona, Weston Kathryn; (2025)
Designing digital mental health support for paramedics exposed to trauma : a qualitative study of lived experiences and design preferences: Cogan Nicola, Whittaker Spence, Craig Ashleigh, Milligan Lucy, McCluskey Robyn, Burns Tara, Kirk Alison, Rasmussen Susan, Hodgson William; JMIR Human Factors Vol 12 (2025); https://doi.org/10.2196/76158
A mobile app (CareFit) supporting physical activity for informal carers of people with dementia : mixed methods feasibility and adaptation study: Egan Kieren J, Hodgson William, Macdonald Bradley, Meiklem Ramsay, Innes Ryan, Kirk Alison, Fawcett Barbara, Dunlop Mark D, Maguire Roma, Flynn Greg, Stott Joshua, Windle Gill; Journal of Medical Internet Research Vol 27 (2025); https://doi.org/10.2196/56739

More publications

Teaching

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Teaching

Established 20 year track record of designing, organising and delivering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate classes including the development and validation of several new classes and overall review of degree programmes. Strong focus towards research integrated teaching and utilisation of innovative methods of teaching. Focus also towards developing transferable skills to improve employability of students during and after their undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

Evidence of leading teaching programmes through current role as Course Leader for the MRes in Physical Activity for Health and past roles as Course Leader for the BSc Sport and Physical Activity degree and co-ordinator for two BA programmes (Sport and Psychology and Sport and Education).
Past and current leadership roles as examination officer, disability co-ordinator, year group co-ordinator.
Four years experience as Postgraduate Deputy Director including promoting applications for PG research, supporting students and organisation and chair of Viva examinations.
Previous invited external examiner for BSc Sport, Physical activity and Health degree programme at the University of Leeds Metropolitan (2012-2016) and MSc Clinical Exercise Science at Edinburgh Napier University (2016-2021).
Invited examiner for 12 PhD thesis (11 external) including: University of Leicester (2023), University of Edinburgh (2023), University of Loughborough (2020), Australian Catholic University (2020), Glasgow University (July 2019), Deakin University, Australia (June 2017), Strathclyde University (September 2016), Stirling University (June 2014), Newcastle University (March 2014), Ulster University (November 2011), Victoria University, Australia (June 2011), Bristol University (March 2009), Birmingham University (July 2007).
Successful postgraduate research supervision with 11 completed and 5 ongoing PhDs.

Research

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Research Interests

24 year programme of translational research exploring methods of supporting active lifestyles for diabetes prevention and management which has led to UK and International impact on health care policy and practice.
In total 86 refereed publications since 2003. 4006 citations from publications. Current H Index of 33.
Awarded over £3,000,000 in grant funding for research since award of PhD in 2003, including a number as PI, several multicentre trials and collaborative PhD studentships.