2026 news
This section includes news from the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences from 2026.
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We watched the first Enhanced Games live in Las Vegas – this is what we learned
An opinion piece authored by Dr Mathew Dowling and Dr Alex Thurston (both School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences) for The Conversation platform.
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Spending time in nature could boost endurance by 7.5%, new research finds
Spending time in natural environments before exercise could boost physical endurance by 7.5% compared with exposure to an urban industrial setting, according to new research from ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ«, suggesting that access to green spaces may support human physical capacity in ways that go beyond simple recreation.
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The harm does not end when the abuse stops – new study into women survivors of sports coaching abuse
New research has exposed the long-term consequences of coaching maltreatment on elite women athletes in the UK, with experts now calling for urgent systemic reform.
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Loughborough commemorates 50 years of Sport and Exercise Sciences
Marking 50 years since the first mixed-cohort BSc in PE, Sports Science and Recreation Management, University academics, partners and students assembled on 21 and 22 May to reflect on Loughborough’s journey and celebrate its achievements.
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The Enhanced Games: ‘dangerous clown show’ or a wake up call for traditional sport?
An opinion piece authored by Dr Mathew Dowling and Dr Alex Thurston (both ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ«) and Jinsu Byun (Yonsei University) for The Conversation platform.
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Ultra-endurance athletes reveal how the human body prioritises survival under stress
A new study observing ultra-endurance athletes during competition has uncovered rare insights into how the body reallocates energy across essential biological functions whilst under extreme physical stress.
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SSEHS contributions to Research Briefing at the House of Lords Highlights the Environmental Impact of Digital Technologies
ÑÇÖÞÇéɫ’s Digital Decarbonisation Design Group (DDDG) and Policy Unit co-led a briefing session, hosted at the House of Lords, that brought together members of the House of Lords, MPs, researchers and industry representatives to discuss the carbon and environmental impacts of digital technologies.
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How scientists changed their view of insomnia
An opinion piece authored by Dr Iuliana Hartescu, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ«.
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SSEHS PGR Conference Highlights
Our recent SSEHS Postgraduate Research conference was a resounding success, bringing together Doctoral Researchers, and staff to celebrate high‑quality research and innovation activity and academic scholarship across a broad range of disciplines.Â
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Loughborough celebrates a decade as best in the world for sports-related subjects
For the tenth year in a row, Loughborough has been crowned the world’s best university for sports-related subjects in the QS global rankings.
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Primary care behavioural programmes can help reduce childhood obesity, new study finds
Children who are overweight or living with obesity can significantly improve their health through primary care weight-management programmes, according to a new study.
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Hormone therapy and dementia risk: what a new study says about menopause treatment
An opinion piece authored by Professor Eef Hogervorst, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ«.
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New paper calls for physical activity to become a core component of mental health care
A new ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« study has urged psychiatrists and mental health professionals to formally integrate physical activity into routine care for people living with severe mental illness.
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Safer Stadiums project shares women’s experiences at men’s football games
A new research project is inviting women who attend men’s football matches to share their experiences to help make stadiums safer and more inclusive for all.
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ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« formally receives the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Higher and Further Education
ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« has formally received the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Higher and Further Education at an Honours ceremony at St James’ Palace in recognition of its pioneering contributions to Para and disability sport.Â
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Air pollution may directly contribute to Alzheimer’s disease – new study
An opinion piece authored by Professor Eef Hogervorst, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ«.
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Loughborough hosts ‘Women in Sport Leadership’ programme for Saudi female executives
ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« has welcomed senior female leaders from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a week-long bespoke programme enhancing leadership qualities across sport.
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Your morning coffee might protect your brain as you age – here’s the sweet spot
An opinion piece authored by Professor Eef Hogervorst, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ«.
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Small improvements in sleep, physical activity and diet are linked with a longer life
An opinion piece authored by Professor Eef Hogervorst, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ«.
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Loughborough appoints world-leading academic Professor Leanne Norman to lead Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub
ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« has appointed Professor Leanne Norman to spearhead its ground-breaking Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub.
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Signs of Sir Terry Pratchett’s dementia may have been hidden in his books – new study
Signs of Sir Terry Pratchett’s dementia may have been present in his writing a decade before his official diagnosis, new research has found.
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Sleepless nights linked to comfort eating and overeating, new study finds
A major UK analysis of over 27,000 adults has found that poor-quality and short sleep are linked to behaviours including comfort-eating, snacking on sweets and overeating and increased obesity risk.Â
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ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« on online abuse of sportswomen looks at high profile case and calls for change
In recently published research, a team from the universities of Loughborough, Chester, Hull, Durham, and Manchester has investigated and is raising awareness of misogynistic online rhetoric directed at women and girls in sport.
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ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« and RAF Association to offer new Forces' Families Resilience Programme
ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« and the RAF Association have been awarded funding to deliver a new programme to support the families of injured or sick serving military personnel or veterans.
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Dr Rachel Sandford awarded AIESEP Fellowship
Dr Rachel Sandford has been invited to become a Fellow of AIESEP (Association Internationale des Écoles Supérieures d’Éducation Physique), the highest honour bestowed by the organisation representing physical education in higher education.
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ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« academic co-authors landmark update on female athlete health
Loughborough researcher Dr Emma O’Donnell has played a pivotal role in a landmark update to the Female Athlete Triad Coalition Consensus Statement.
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Your body clock matters for brain health in later life – and could even be linked to dementia risk
An opinion piece authored by Professor Eef Hogervorst, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ«.
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Can eating high fat cheese and cream reduce dementia risk, as a new study suggests?
An opinion piece authored by Professor Eef Hogervorst, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ«.