Sport scientist sets sights on 2020 Summit
University of the Sunshine Coast sport scientist Associate Professor Brendan Burkett has been selected to attend the Federal Government’s 2020 Summit in Canberra on 19-20 April.
Dr Burkett, the Director of USC’s Centre for Healthy Activities, Sport and Exercise, will be among 1000 leading Australians debating and developing long-term options for the nation’s future across 10 major areas.
He will be one of 100 summit participants focusing on a long-term national health strategy that incorporates preventative health, workforce planning and the ageing population.
Dr Burkett, whose work at USC ranges from fall prevention for elderly people to fine-tuning the performances of elite athletes, said he was thrilled to be attending the summit.
“It’s a great honour to have been nominated and accepted,” said Dr Burkett, a four-time Paralympic swimmer who was recently inducted into Swimming Queensland’s Hall of Fame.
“I’m really looking forward to coming up with some ideas to create a long-term health strategy for the entire country.
“The three things that we will look at include physical activity – people need safe, enjoyable and new ways to enjoy physical activity – good nutrition, and a positive emotional state.”
Dr Burkett said even though his expertise was in physical activity, his work in microtechnology would stand him in good stead to discuss other aspects of health.
“Technology, in one way, will measure how people are moving to stay healthy,” he said. “In another way, it will help provide an environment that will make it more attractive to improve your health.”
In the next fortnight, Dr Burkett will prepare for the summit by writing reports about his work, what he believes is necessary to improve Australia’s health, and what he ranks as priority projects.
He also will attend a pre-Summit meeting this weekend in Brisbane, called by State Premier Anna Bligh, for participants to discuss Queensland’s priority projects.
Two USC adjunct professors – Professor Ian Lowe and John Mendoza – also will attend the 2020 Summit in Canberra. Professor Lowe is an expert in environmental issues, while Mr Mendoza specialises in mental health and drug use issues.
— Terry Walsh