Join three professors from Edinburgh Napier to learn how research, enterprise and partnership are being applied to talent development, sector growth and social impact
The relationship between sport and community life is underpinned by evidence, strategy and collaboration. At Edinburgh Napier University, a programme of research and engagement aims to translate academic insight into practical benefits for athletes, local economies and social initiatives. This event gathers experienced researchers to explain how targeted work in talent development, knowledge exchange and institutional strategy can extend the reach of sport beyond competition and into everyday community wellbeing.
Whether you are a student, practitioner or community leader, the discussions promise concrete ideas and models that can be adapted to many settings.
Participants are invited to attend on Fri, 29 May, 2:30pm – 5:45pm BST at 1.D.04, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh Napier University.
The programme begins with optional lab tours and finishes with a networking reception, giving attendees both evidence-led presentations and informal time to discuss application. The sessions are designed to show how research tools and collaborative practice—like the talent development environment assessments and industry-facing innovation hubs—help organisations make better decisions and invest in long-term impact.
Speakers and the ideas they will share
Three professors from the School of Applied Sciences lead the conversation, each bringing a different angle on how sport drives change. Professor Peter Barlow opens the event as host and Dean of Research and Innovation, setting the scene for applied scholarship that engages communities. Professor Russell Martindale explores the psychological and environmental elements that help athletes thrive, offering practical frameworks that practitioners can use. His work on the Talent Development Environment Questionnaire demonstrates how measurement and feedback can improve coaching systems and athlete support structures. Attendees will hear how research tools have been used across levels of sport to bridge academic evidence and on-the-ground practice.
Embedding academia within industry: a blueprint from cycling
Professor Tom Campbell explains how universities can become active partners in sector development rather than distant observers. Leading Bike Innovation Scotland, Tom focuses on knowledge exchange and enterprise models that co-produce solutions with businesses, governing bodies and public agencies. Using cycling and mountain biking as case studies, he highlights initiatives from trail evaluation to rider experience research that inform strategic investment—such as the emerging Cycling Innovation Hub in the Scottish Borders. These examples show how applied research supports economic development, environmental stewardship and participant wellbeing simultaneously.
Practical collaboration and partnership examples
Tom’s collaborations include work with organisations like Scottish Cycling, South of Scotland Enterprise, Cycle Industries Europe and the International Mountain Biking Association. Through these partnerships, academic insight is translated into training, infrastructure guidance and policy advice that strengthen the sector. The approach emphasises iterative evaluation, so projects adapt as evidence accumulates—ensuring investments meet real needs and deliver measurable benefits to local communities and businesses.
From insight to institutional strategy and social change
Professor Susan Brown brings a systems perspective, describing how sport can be mobilised as a tool for social good and workforce innovation. As University Head of Sport Engagement, Susan has developed policies and partnerships with organisations such as Scottish FA, Scottish Rugby, Cricket Scotland, Arsenal FC and professional bodies like CIMSPA. Her research spans high-performance practice, injury reporting systems and talent pathways; one notable outcome has been industry-funded doctoral work that contributed to the development of the FIICCS injury classification system, now used internationally by football governing bodies. Her presentation outlines a strategic vision for positioning the university as a leader in sport engagement through collaboration and impactful research.
Implications for practitioners and students
Whether you work in community sport, education or sector development, the event offers practical takeaways: tools for assessing talent environments, models for embedding research in industry, and strategic approaches to grow sport’s societal benefits. The afternoon includes dedicated Q&A after each talk, allowing attendees to probe methods, ask about implementation challenges, and discuss local application. The closing networking session provides time to forge connections with the presenters and other professionals exploring how to scale sport-led initiatives responsibly and sustainably.
Event logistics and programme
The schedule begins with optional lab tours from 1:45 pm – 2:15 pm for those who wish to see applied facilities before the talks. The formal welcome is at 2:30 pm by Professor Peter Barlow. Presentations cover talent development (Russell Martindale), knowledge exchange and sector enterprise (Tom Campbell) and sport engagement strategy (Susan Brown), each followed by a short Q&A. The day concludes with a drinks reception from 4:45 pm – 6:00 pm, offering an informal space for discussion and collaboration. Registration is free and open to students, community practitioners and anyone interested in extending the positive influence of sport.
