Loughborough University
Para and disability sport: pioneering research enhancing performance, wellbeing and inclusion
World number one in the QS World University Rankings for research in sports-related subjects for nine consecutive years, Loughborough University is pivotal in driving the UK’s success in Para and disability sport.
Having steered the creation of a world-class sports ecosystem unique within higher education, it has transformed its campus into a living laboratory – a space in which to address the most pressing and pertinent challenges, inspire athletes to achieve their best and create inclusive recreational opportunities.
This position is cemented by a strategic partnership with ParalympicsGB, a relationship that has evolved over many years and shapes ongoing research and collaborations within the sector. The groundbreaking performance innovations pioneered as a result have helped secure ParalympicsGB a top two world ranking at three consecutive Paralympic Games.
Alongside supporting this continued success, the collaboration champions equity of opportunity, removing obstacles to participation, so that all disabled people can choose to be active and reap the many benefits that sport and exercise provide. Our support of the nationwide Inclusion 2024 initiative is helping disabled schoolchildren achieve 30 active minutes every day.
For two decades, the University’s internationally renowned Centre for Disability Sport has broken new ground. Its work propels Paralympians to new heights and advances sports technology on a global scale. Meanwhile, its contributions to clinical rehabilitation practices – via a range of practical, evidence-based interventions – are transforming real-world care. By advocating for grassroots participation, it is also improving the quality of life and health outcomes for disabled people worldwide.
The Centre’s graduates secure leadership roles across the sector: about 20% of the Paris 2024 ParalympicsGB Leadership Team were its alumni. Nurturing a strong workforce promises ongoing advances – continuing a remarkable legacy of supporting and empowering people to achieve extraordinary things for generations to come.