Darren is driven by a desire to inspire and equip others to live their best life.

Originally coming from an education background, Darren’s keen interest in optimising human functioning lead him to complete a Masters and PhD degree in Human Physiology. His early research focused on the ‘runner’s stitch’, of which he is considered the world expert, but over the past 15 years his research has focused on evidence-based strategies from the fields of Lifestyle Medicine and Positive Psychology for enhancing mental health, wellbeing and resilience.

To date, he is the author of three books and over 70 publications in scientific and medical journals. He is a Professor and Director of the Lifestyle Medicine and Health Research Centre at Avondale University, where he supervises several PhD students, and is on the editorial board of the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. Darren was one of four people selected worldwide to write the exam for International Certification in Lifestyle Medicine, he is a Certified Diplomate of the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine and a Fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine. In 2020, he was the recipient of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine’s inaugural “Change Maker” award. 

Professor Morton’s specialises in the creation of evidence-based lifestyle interventions. He is the creator of The Lift Project, which incorporates evidence-based strategies from Lifestyle Medicine and Positive Psychology for improving mental health, wellbeing and resilience. The Lift Project is now used in over 10 countries and is endorsed by peak organisations including the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.  

Darren has presented to hundreds of corporate, educational and community audiences around the world and is an invited speaker at international academic conferences. He has also been awarded a Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning in the Australian University sector.

In his spare time, Darren loves spending time with family and friends and being active and adventurous in the great outdoors hang gliding, kitesurfing, running, kayaking, mountain biking, swimming, …