Physical activity & food insecurities: Using evidence- and equity-based approaches to solving "wicked problems"

 

Professor Estelle V. Lambert is an Emeritus Professor and Senior Research Scholar at the University of Cape Town, where she directed the UCT Research Centre for Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport (2018–2023). An NRF B1-rated scientist, UCT Fellow, and Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher for 5 consecutive years (2020-2024), she has authored over 400 peer-reviewed papers (H-index 75 Scopus; 94 Google Scholar). Her work spans the epidemiology, determinants, and interventions related to physical activity, obesity, and non-communicable diseases in LMICs. She has advised the WHO on global physical activity guidelines and capacity building, and led major initiatives such as the African Physical Activity Network and the Healthy Active Kids South Africa Report Card. In 2024, she received the SAMRC Platinum Lifetime Achievement Award. Her landmark publications include contributions to three Lancet Series and defining “physical activity insecurity” from a Global South perspective. She continues to supervise PhD students and influence policy, regionally and globally.