responsible futures video screen shot

A responsible future?

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Through Responsible Futures the University of Brighton harnesses change to enhance the delivery of sustainable economic development, improved environments and more inclusive societies.

Responsible Futures research generates new ideas to positively influence policy, practice and behaviours. By bringing together interdisciplinary expertise, we explore opportunities to create more just and environmentally sustainable societies, including research into the circular economy, sustainable tourism, ethical and green business practices, sustainable health and the blue economy. Read More →

Professor Marina Novelli

Advancing gender equality in tourism

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Major progress has been made advancing gender equality globally, but women and girls continue to face precarious employment in many economic sectors, particularly tourism, according to a University of Brighton expert.

Professor Marina Novelli will be speaking and moderating an expert panel on the issue at the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) 1st Regional Congress on ‘Women Empowerment in the Tourism Sector – Focus on Africa’ in Ghana’s capital Accra between 25 and 27 November.

Marina Novelli, Professor of Tourism and International Development and Academic lead for the University’s Responsible Futures research and enterprise agenda, was invited by UNWTO to contribute to “this groundbreaking event, as a leading academic in the field of tourism for sustainable development in Africa”. Read More →

Profesor Yannis Pitsiladis in the labs

World recognition for University research to beat the cheats

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A gene test developed at the University of Brighton to catch doping cheats could be introduced at next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has announced.

Instead of looking for traces of illegal drugs in urine and blood samples, Professor Yannis Pitsiladis, the University’s Professor of Sport and Exercise Science, has researched RNA or Ribonucleic acid which together with DNA and proteins are essential for all forms of life.

And he has discovered drugs can leave a tell-tale signature in RNA. Read More →

Young adults playing handball

How mixed-sex team games could reduce physical education injuries

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Mixed-sex team games such as korfball and handball are examples of sports that can be taught in secondary schools without the need for physical contact, says a University of Brighton academic.

Dr Gary Stidder of the School of Sport and Service Management put forward this notion in the light of recent research into the safety and wellbeing of pupils in physical education school lessons.

A range of modified team games designed to eliminate direct contact with opponents have recently been introduced to PGCE and School Direct trainee teachers of physical education.

Dr Stidder believes that these new team games are timely, and will help to bring about a shift in the way that pupils in schools view sport. He said: “Physical education is not synonymous with sport. They are two completely different things.” Read More →

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Brighton leads firefighters’ health risk research

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University of Brighton researchers have been leading the way on a study to see if firefighters are suffering serious health problems from exposure to high levels of harmful chemicals.

For the past year they have been taking blood and urine samples from more than 140 firefighters to determine if there is a link between exposure and incidents among them of diseases including cancer. Read More →

Atletes on the track

A pill to protect athletes from overheating

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A School of Sport and Service Management professor has developed a new temperature monitory system that uses a small core temperature-monitoring “pill” to help protect athletes from heat exhaustion.

The temperature monitoring eco-system being developed by Professor Yannis Pitsiladis, the University’s Professor of Sport and Exercise Science, uses sensors inside a tiny capsule which relay information via Smartwatches on how an athlete’s body is coping with high temperatures during a race.

Medical staff monitoring the information would be alerted if a competitor’s readings were indicating signs of heat stress or hyperthermia and the athlete could be withdrawn. This technology can also help provide more rapid, accurate and dignified temperature assessment at the road/track side in medical emergencies. Read More →

Professor Yannis Pitsiladis in his white coat in the labs

Catching up with Professor Yannis Pitsiladis

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We speak to the Professor of Sport and Exercise Science about how the University’s at the forefront of anti-doping research.

​Professor Yannis Pitsiladis, who’s also a member of the International Olympic Committee’s Medical and Scientific Commission and chairs the Science Commission of the International Federation of Sports Medicine, also discusses the case of Caster Semenya and intersex athletes and his mission to lead a team to a sub-2 hour marathon, completely within athletics regulations.​

As a member of several high-profile organisations, Yannis is at the forefront of helping to solve some of sport’s most pressing issues.

Read More →

the group in the lobby

Building bridges with China

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University academics boosted research collaboration and cooperation during visits to China. 

Promoting the benefits of genetic testing in health and disease applications were the subjects discussed by Professor Yannis Pitsiladis, the University’s Professor of Sport and Exercise Science, during one visit. 

He and Dr Guan Wang, Research Fellow in the School of Sport and Service Management, also discussed the advantages of biomedicine, artificial intelligence, and engineering.  Read More →

Professor Yannis Pitsiladis in his white coat in the labs

40 transgender athletes volunteer for Brighton research

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University of Brighton scientists are researching how to resolve international controversy over whether transgender sportswomen are competing fairly.

Professor Yannis Pitsiladis and colleagues are conducting a study of more than 40 individuals going through transition, with the aim of determining the fairest way of integrating transgender athletes into elite sport.

Testosterone increases muscle mass and under International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidelines athletes who have transitioned from male to female are required to keep their levels of testosterone under 10 nanomoles per litre. Read More →

Women firefighters: the added risks

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More female firefighters are being hired but new research, co-led by the University of Brighton, suggests that fire services need to ensure appropriate consideration is given to female specific needs. 

More than 800 women firefighters from 14 different countries, 255 in the UK, told researchers via an online survey that they face injury, illness and heat illness risk at similar rates to that of male firefighters. The report said specific issues such as protective equipment, clothing, health issues and long-term training need further consideration and improvement.   Read More →