Catherine Draper

Prof Catherine Draper is a Senior Researcher in the MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit at the University of the Witwatersrand. She has an Honorary Position within the Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine at the University of Cape Town.

Prof Draper has a background in Psychology and Social Sciences and obtained her PhD in Public Health in 2005. Her research interests include the development and evaluation of community-based health promotion interventions, and she is particularly interested in the preschool age group and early childhood development and health.

Prof Draper Led the initiative to develop South African 24-hour movement guidelines for the early years (released December 2018); she was a Member of the World Health Organization Guideline Development Group for guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep, in children under 5 years of age; and she was an International Observer for the Under 5’s Expert Working Group for the UK physical activity guidelines.

Prof Draper is currently the President of the International Society of Physical Activity and Health, and a Fellow of the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.

Companies

• Associate Professor MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (2020)
• Senior Researcher MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (2018 — 2020)
• Senior Researcher University of Cape Town (2006 — 2017)

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) University of Cape Town (2003 — 2005)
• Master’s Degree University of Cape Town (2000 — 2002)