DoctorSimon Hoermann

Nutri-Islands is a culturally inclusive, research-informed serious game developed to promote healthy eating behaviours among rangatahi (young people) and their whānau (families) in Aotearoa New Zealand. Designed through co-creation with youth and caregivers, the game combines evidence-based behavioural science with interactive storytelling to foster positive nutrition habits in a playful, engaging environment. The project reflects transformational digital innovation with clear societal impact, aligning with UC’s values and Vision Mātauranga principles. The game integrates te ao Māori perspectives and was informed by community feedback throughout its development. In 2024, Nutri-Islands won 1st Place in the Business Category at the GALA (Games and Learning Alliance) International Serious Games Competition, a leading global platform for digital games in education. The theme of GALA 2024 – "Games for Better Futures" – aligned directly with the game’s mission, and the win provides strong evidence of impact, reach, and external validation. The award recognises Nutri-Islands as a top-tier example of serious game design for public good, enhancing UC’s reputation for applied research and social innovation. The project brought together a multidisciplinary team from UC, University of Otago, and Ara Institute, including academics, students, and health experts.

Evidence of policy and practice impact includes citation of my research in a range of policy documents, clinical guidelines, and formal evidence reviews produced by international government, health, and advisory bodies. These include publications from the Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services, RedETS (Spain), Canada’s Drug Agency, the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, the Australian Council of Learned Academies, SINTEF, NICE, the State of Missouri, Työterveyslaitos, and the Institute for Defense Analyses, as well as stroke rehabilitation guidance documents.