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UoG professor achieves industry recognition for contribution to sports science

A University of Gloucestershire professor has achieved further industry recognition for his significant contribution to the development of sports science and research around youth sport and physical activity.

Professor Mark De Ste Croix has been made a Fellow of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), six months after being made a Fellow of the European College of Sports Science (ECSS).

The award from BASES recognises esteemed professional achievement, skills, knowledge and service to the association and international sport and exercise community, and is made annually to a limited number of eminent sport and exercise science researchers.

Professor De Ste Croix, Professor of Paediatric Sport and Exercise within the University’s School of Education and Science, said: “I am delighted to have been made a Fellow of BASES in recognition of my contribution to the development of sport and exercise science.

“Having been a member of BASES since 1995 and an accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist since 2010, I have been fortunate enough to see the association grow as sport and exercise science as a profession has grown.

“Among the association’s initiatives I have been pleased to support is the development of Expert Statements providing concise, evidence-based guidance to youth sport practitioners, and I have been delighted to guide early-career researchers and practitioners to help them develop their own career pathways.”

Professor De Ste Croix was presented with his award at the annual congress of BASES in Coventry, where he shared research carried out at the University and funded by the English Football Association exploring the barrier and facilitators to progression within the football talent identification workforce.

Professor De Ste Croix was accompanied to the congress by University colleagues Professor Athanassios Bissas, who presented the first study of its kind on field-based biomechanics using data collected at the World Championships in London, funded by World Athletics, and Kirsten Wing, Senior Lecturer in Sports Therapy, who presented work funded by Sport England exploring the impact of a play-based workshop on children’s physical activity and play.

Student involvement in research projects

Professor De Ste Croix added: “Being at the forefront of research in sport and exercise science provides our students with the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, and we focus heavily on student involvement in our research projects.

“I look forward to continuing the development in the field of paediatric sport and exercise science with a focus on injury risk and prevention and coach education, alongside excellent colleagues and research students.”

BASES, a world-leading association for sport and exercise, will be changing its name to CASES (Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences) in 2025 after being awarded the royal charter by King Charles III.

Main image: Professor Mark De Ste Croix at the annual congress of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences