Evolving together: Movement for Health is now based in a world-leading research centre

"The next evolution of Movement for Health"

Movement for Health is a coalition of Scotland's leading health charities, working together to help those with long-term health conditions become more active in a way that suits their lives and needs. The coalition recently sought a new host organisation and received an incredible response to the application invitation. Excitingly, the outcome of this application process will see the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC), within Moray House School of Education and Sport, as the new host for Movement for Health. In March 2026, PAHRC will take over from Walking Scotland, the current host organisation, while continuing to work closely with them.

Movement for Health manager, Emma Anderson, said, "I am pleased to see Movement for Health hosted by such a knowledgeable and respected part of the University. I see great benefits to this shift in organisation, and I am looking forward to bringing the next evolution of Movement for Health to life". This collaboration will yield benefits that strengthen the coalition partners, built upon PAHRC's connections with research institutions across Scotland. 

Kevin Lafferty, CEO at Walking Scotland, is delighted that the application process has reached a successful outcome: "Walking Scotland is proud to have been one of the founding members of Movement for Health. Since its formation in 2019, Movement for Health has gone from strength to strength, and we are delighted that PAHRC will be supporting the next stage of its evolution."

Funded by the Scottish Government, this mutually beneficial partnership will enable the coalition to become part of a world-class research centre, providing direct access to cutting-edge research on physical activity promotion.

Funded by the Scottish Government, this mutually beneficial partnership will enable the coalition to become part of a world-class research centre, providing direct access to cutting-edge research on physical activity promotion.

Visions aligned

PAHRC and the coalition's ambitions fit together perfectly, both seeking to empower people with long-term health conditions in Scotland by finding ways  for them to become more active. This symmetrical vision will allow PAHRC to support, enhance and promote the coalition's work. Dr Paul Kelly explained, "Our aim is to support the coalition through its next stage of evolution, helping it to focus on key strategic areas."

Professor Marie Murphy, Director of PAHRC, welcomed the news, "We are delighted to be selected as the new host and look forward to welcoming Movement for Health and its constituent members to the PAHRC family. PAHRC's mission, to support people in Scotland to be more active for improved health, aligns well with Movement for Health's vision." 

From consultations with coalition partners, this new placement will facilitate an understanding of further new research necessary to promote physical activity for people living with long-term health conditions, an exciting outcome of the centre's new base. Professor Murphy added, "This partnership will provide further opportunities for like-minded organisations to work together to strengthen the bridge between research, policy and practice in physical activity for health".

Alongside further research opportunities, there is hope that this will create further collaboration opportunities, such as contributing to the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS) Health and Wellbeing Research Theme: a college-wide initiative that connects researchers across the arts, humanities and social sciences, to investigate health and wellbeing from various perspectives.

Related information:

Movement for Health

PAHRC

Walking Scotland

Physical Activity for Health (MSc)

CAHSS Research Themes

Dr Paul Kelly

Professor Marie Murphy