Research and innovation
Loughborough University is internationally recognised as the best university in the world for sports-related subjects (QS World University rankings).
With an ecosystem that includes Para athletes, practitioners, sports bodies and other stakeholders, Loughborough offers a unique environment to both explore, develop and answer key research questions. For students and academics with an interest in Para and disability sport research, Loughborough is the ideal place to be.
Examples of our research
School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
The School is renowned as an internationally recognised centre of excellence for the study of sport, exercise and health through the natural and social sciences.
Highly ranked in national league tables and No. 1 in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017 - 2024 the School’s wide-ranging expertise encompasses such diverse areas as medicine, molecular biology, nutrition, biomechanics, economics, pedagogy, psychology, sociology and sport management.
Over the years the School has built an international reputation for the quality of its teaching and research. With our globally renowned staff collaborating with other academic institutions, centres and industry partners around the world, the School has been recognised for both the quality of research and our highly competitive undergraduate, postgraduate taught and doctoral programmes.
Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport
The Centre contributes significantly to research and practice in disability sport. It consists of two main research strands: Sport Performance and Health and Wellbeing.
Our mission is to improve knowledge about Paralympic sport and to promote the substantial health and quality of life benefits that can be gained through participation in disability sport and physical activity. The centre is heavily involved in research, in addition to providing sport science support to a number of GB squads.
Global Disability Innovation Hub
The Global Disability Innovation Hub is a collaborative organisation based at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, with partners that include the London Legacy Development Corporation, University College London (UCL), University of the Arts London (UAL), Sadler Wells, Victoria and Albert Museum, Leonard Cheshire, Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design as well as Loughborough University London.
LU London has committed to delivering on three areas:
- Developing a Master’s programme with academic partners to provide an entry point to connect to the work of the GDIH;
- Supporting the establishment of a multi-disciplinary Research Centre which focuses on research around disability issues; and
- Contributing to the hosting of a global summit about Disability Innovation Practice.
A major area of work being delivered is the AT2030 Para Sport Against Stigma project which has embarked on a mission to address disability-related stigma in Africa by harnessing the power of Para sports to promote the adoption of assistive technology.
Sports Technology Institute
Loughborough University Sports Technology Institute is a £15M facility housing the Sports Technology Research Group.
The world-leading Sports Technology Research Group was established to have a positive global, social and economic impact on sport through excellent engineering research, teaching and enterprise. The Group has an international reputation for its work with global brands and federations including adidas, PING, Head, FIFA, Wattbike, England & Wales Cricket Board, New Balance, Nike, UK Sport, Reebok, Speedo and Umbro on the design, simulation, testing and manufacture of sporting goods. It is based in the University's £15 million Sports Technology Institute, which boasts a range of state-of-the-art equipment and bespoke test rigs.
The centre carries out wide-ranging research including athletic footwear, technical apparel, protective equipment, balls, bats, clubs, rackets and fitness equipment. Our track record of design-led innovation and accelerating novel concepts from initial stages through to commercialisation is unparalleled.