Research and consultancy work

Our current and recent work.

We provide a vibrant, supportive gathering space for impactful sports research. We seek to work with the best possible partners and practice to address contemporary sporting problems and issues and to inform and improve lives and communities.

A set of values and principles that we share with the Institute of Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences guide our engagement:

mutual respect for the history, context, values and culture of communities that we engage with
equity by recognizing the inherent dignity of every human being and the just distribution of resources and access, especially with respect to marginalized and vulnerable groups
sustainability by living and working within the limits of available physical, natural and social resources to facilitate the self-reliance and independence of individuals and communities
social justice by advocating and evidencing that individuals and groups have fair and impartial access to the benefits of society, including the right to health, physical activity and sport
excellence in striving for and adhering to the highest standards of quality, integrity, professionalism and leadership
accountability and responsiveness to students and the communities we collaborate with
pursuit of global public good by appreciating our roles and obligations as leaders in creating, sharing and translating knowledge about and through sport for the benefit of all people
cooperative spirit through mutual enrichment, openness and a commitment to reciprocate working with communities of best practice working in our areas
quality - an aspiration to continually improve on the quality of everything that we do

Learn more about the work we do and support on our Edinburgh-Toronto public symposia and lectures page.

Visit the symposia and lectures page

University and College Research Themes

The Academy of Sport is part of the following University and College Research Themes

Work and Economy
Data and Digital
Future Cities
Health and Well-Being

Learn more about the University and College Research Themes

Current and recent projects

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Racing with a purpose: Sustainability in Formula E

This study examined the seasonal sustainability reporting of Formula E for its content, variation, and linearity.

Learn more about Racing with a Purpose

Sport, cultural relations and peacebuilding

The report examines the use of sport as an enabler of cultural relations and peacebuilding in the 21st century. It asserts that sport matters, has scale, is a pillar of connectivity, and is an invaluable tool but also that those involved with cultural relations and peacebuilding need to be smarter about how, when, and where to use sport.

Learn more about the Sport, cultural relations and peacebuilding project

Sport for mental health: A global strengths-based change system

This report identifies sport as a unique exemplar of a globally powerful, yet locally adaptive, community-embedded implementation model that can improve mental health. Sport has unmatched global reach and the power to unify people and cultures through a universal language. Sport can support health systems under pressure, while strengthening communities.

Learn more about the Sport for mental health project

Hibernian Football Club Fan Engagement Report

This report specifically focuses upon Hibernian Football Club and draws upon a specific data-driven sentiment analysis, a specific social-demographic analysis and a secondary body of reports relating to the future of sport. It is structured around three main sections: