Friday 7 December

The ratings for Leeds Met submissions in sports-related studies have improved in each successive RAE.  This time we have more research active staff (involving four faculties), more research income and higher quality publications. Yes it does involve sport science, but much more too. The focus on excellence involves longstanding specialisms as well as the re-establishment of PE and sport pedagogy and a stronger tourism grouping. Our programme reflects the breadth of Unit 46, from the social sciences and humanities-based research underpinning diversity, equity and inclusion, tourism, and pedagogy, to the psychological, nutritional and biophysical study serving research in sports performance and active lifestyles.  

Matching our collective expertise with developments in the external environment, we have chosen research challenges that position us well to address contemporary concerns and set research and policy agendas.  Much of this programme is distinctive for its critical engagement with the real world, challenging what is 'taken for granted'.  With 12 professors and 5 readers the Unit enjoys strong leadership.  But just as importantly, we have been committed to succession planning.  Nine of the staff being submitted are classed as 'early career' researchers and we provide a 'home' for a large and growing number of research students.

Professor Jonathan Long
Coordinator, RAE Unit 46 (Sports-Related Studies)