As a health promotion expert with over 20 years of experience, I have worked alongside practitioners, nonprofit leaders, and policymakers at all levels — local, state, and federal — to strengthen the quality, effectiveness, and outcomes of health promotion initiatives.
I am passionate about building capacity for research and evaluation, equipping teams with the tools and skills to integrate evidence-informed decision-making into their work. My expertise spans research, policy, and practice, and has led to:
✔ Over 80 academic publications in leading journals, shaping best practice in the field
✔ More than 50 practice and policy-oriented tools and guides, including evaluation frameworks, policy briefs, and practical tools designed for real-world application
✔ Global recognition, including my 2024 appointment as an expert advisor to the WHO Global Research Agenda on Knowledge Translation
Alongside co-founding Quality for Outcomes, I am Professor of Physical Activity and Health and Associate Director of Research Engagement and Impact at the Institute of Health and Sport at Victoria University.
In my spare time, I love to keep active by going to the gym and running. I also cherish spending time with my daugher, Eva and my cat, Jimmy. My holidays are spent by the beach — my happy place.
You can find my reports and publications here.
You can find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-craike/
With a unique dual background in public health policy and political science, I bring a systems-level perspective to help organisations navigate the complexities of policy environments, governance structures, and multi-sector collaboration.
I hold dual PhDs in Public Health Policy and Political Science and have a strong track record of translating research into actionable policies and programs. My expertise has been built through:
✔ Over 30 academic publications advancing knowledge in public health policy
✔ More than 50 practice and policy-oriented publications, providing guidance for policymakers, practitioners, and organisational leaders
✔ Leading national and international projects involving multi-sector, transdisciplinary teams across research, policy, and practice
✔ Designing and delivering training programs, workshops, and seminars for diverse audiences—including government, research institutions, community organisations, media, and business sectors
My commitment to excellence was recognised in 2020 when I was awarded the Victoria University Medal for Academic Excellence in Research.
Alongside co-founding Quality for Outcomes, I am Senior Research Fellow in Health and Education at the Mitchell Institute, Victoria University.
I am a new mum to baby Tara so most of my spare time is spent looking after her and enjoying parenthood. I also enjoy singing, playing the piano, skiing and spending time with my family and friends.
You can find my reports and publications here.
You can find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bo-klepac/
A wealth of expertise: Over 35 years of experience in research and evaluation, with a portfolio of 110+ academic publications and 100+ practice- and policy-focused resources, including reports, policy briefs, evaluation frameworks, and practical tools and guidance.
Leadership in cross-sector collaboration: Extensive experience leading successful partnerships with not-for-profit organisations and government agencies, including the federal Department of Health, Department of Social Services, cohealth, headspace, and the European Commission.
National and international recognition: Known nationally and internationally for their expertise in health and knowledge translation, with Mel recently appointed as an expert on the WHO Global Research Agenda on Knowledge Translation.
Transforming evidence into impact: Demonstrated strength in translating rigorous evidence into policy and practice, shaping position papers for peak organisations, clinical practice guidelines, program and service innovations, and policies across Australia and internationally (including Belgium, Ireland, Germany, Norway, the UK, and the USA).