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Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences
Maiden Castle Sports Centre

Latest News

New toolkit supports conversations about mental health among neurodivergent young people

Research conducted with neurodivergent young people has inspired the launch of a new toolkit on how to speak with them about co-occurring mental health challenges when they seek support.
A young woman sits in a chair facing the camera, while talking to a therapist.

Durham researcher contributes to new UK disability physical activity report

Dr Toni Williams, from our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, has contributed to a major report with Disability Rights UK exploring the "Activity Trap".
A person being offered support by another person completing paperwork

The Power of Enough: Eating Enough to Support an Active Life

As part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2026, Dr Lindsay Macnaughton, Associate Professor of Sport Nutrition in Durham University's Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, is helping to raise awareness of the importance of fuelling an active lifestyle.
Man breaking up fruit into a blender to make a smoothie drink.

Professor Brett Smith Ranked 7th in the World for Sport Sciences

The Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences is delighted to celebrate the success of Professor Brett Smith, who has been ranked 7th in the world and 1st in the UK in Sport Sciences in the latest year citation rankings based on citation impact excluding self-citations.
Prof Brett Smith

Durham Research Recognised in New WHO Childhood Obesity Guidelines

Research led by Professor Carolyn Summerbell and colleagues in Durham University's Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences has been recognised in newly published World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on the integrated management of obesity in children and adolescents.
A young child running underneath a colourful parachute as part of play time.

Sport and Exercise Sciences welcomes Professor Chunxiao Li as Honorary Professor

The Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences is delighted to welcome Professor Chunxiao Li (Lee/CX) as an Honorary Professor.
Professor Chunxiao Li poses against a blue background

Sports Science Ranked No. 1 in the UK by The Guardian University Guide 2027

Sports Science has been ranked 1st in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2027 subject rankings, reinforcing its position as a national leader in sport, exercise and health education.
Student's participating in a lab practical. One student is measuring another student's reflexes

Thinking About a PhD? NINE DTP Studentship Competition Opens 1 September 2026, for October 2027 entry

Are you considering a PhD in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, or perhaps a Master's degree as a pathway to doctoral study?
Two individuals taking their places at a starting line with the words Sport and Society layered across.

Moving Social Care PDRA Team Presentation.

Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing ECR conference for those working on projects across health.
PDRA team

Why safer spaces matter for young people’s physical activity

Professor Caroline Dodd-Reynolds of our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences explores what can be done to create environments in which young people feel safe to enjoy physical activity.
The back of a woman outdoors wearing a bright pink top and black leggings drinking from a water bottle.

Welcoming Dr Tony Bennett.

We are delighted to welcome Dr Tony Bennett to the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences as a Professor in Practice, following his nomination for an initial three year term beginning in 2026.
Tony Bennett

DSES is recruiting an Assistant Professor (Education Track).

Applications are now open for an Assistant Professor (Education Track) here in DSES.
Classroom with woman speaking