Solent professor to speak at virtual conference

Solent University’s Head of Sport Science and Performance and Fellow of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), Associate Professor Adam Hawkey, will be the keynote speaker at the Yorkshire and Humber Physical Activity Knowledge Exchange (YoHPAKE) virtual conference in June. 

Held over two days on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 June, Professor Hawkey will be talking about the growing impact of sport and exercise science on the health and wealth of the nation, following a recent report, commissioned by The Physiological Society and GuildHE, which highlights the impact sport and exercise science education has on the UK economy. 

Following this, a joint position statement with the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), and the production of a special animation, further showcase the varied roles undertaken by sport and exercise scientists in clinical, physical activity and performance settings. 

During his presentation, Professor Hawkey will provide insight into the research behind and production of the report, statement and animation and discuss how sport and exercise science students can expect to play a crucial and continued contribution to society. 

“It is a great honour to be the speaker for this conference,” says Professor Hawkey, “At a time when society has never been more aware of the importance of keeping active, being able to promote the work of sport and exercise scientists and acknowledge the impact this is having on the nation’s physical and mental health is hugely rewarding. 

“The lockdown provided medical practitioners, sports scientists, and fitness professionals the opportunity to promote the benefits of physical activity on an unprecedented scale. This has allowed people to take greater ownership of their own health and wellbeing and a better understanding of the importance of keeping active on our physical and mental health.” 

Nicola Corrigan, Healthy Weight and Physical Activity Lead for Yorkshire and the Humber, Public Health England, who is part of the YoHPAKE Central Team organising the event adds: “We are incredibly fortunate to have Adam delivering the keynote for our YoHPAKE virtual conference. He is highly respected in the sport and exercise science community and his insights into the contribution that the discipline can play in promoting the health and wealth of the nation will be invaluable” 

“With the support of governments, employers, and the medical and scientific communities we must, more than ever before, empower society to engage in physical activity,” continues Professor Hawkey. “During recent weeks we have witnessed the start of a seismic shift in public attitude and behaviour towards exercise.  

“We need to ensure that the lasting legacy of the lockdown is a reduction in morbidity and mortality from heart disease, stroke, some cancers, and diabetes.” 

To book your place for this free, please click here.