Glasgow Caledonian University is leading a major European research initiative to explore how sport and physical activity can adapt to climate change while continuing to support public health and wellbeing.
The University will coordinate SUPER (Sustainable Sports and Physical Activity for Equity and Resilience), a doctoral training network bringing together universities, researchers, civil organisations, sports federations, and industry partners from across Europe to examine the environmental impact of sport and develop more sustainable ways for people to be active.
The project is supported by more than €4.5 million from the European Commission through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, alongside more than 1 million Swiss Francs from the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation.
Led by Glasgow Caledonian researchers Professor Sebastien Chastin, Dr Niamh Smith, Dr Zoe Tieges and Dr David Hamilton, the programme will recruit 17 doctoral researchers to investigate how sport and physical activity can adapt to a changing climate while reducing their environmental impact.
Professor Chastin, Professor of Health Behaviour Dynamics at Glasgow Caledonian University and coordinator of the SUPER network, said: “Sport and physical activity are part of everyday life for millions of people, but they also have an environmental footprint through travel, facilities, equipment and energy use.
“At the same time, climate change is likely to influence how and where people exercise and take part in sport. Rising temperatures and more extreme weather may affect participation, safety and access to facilities.”
The research will bring together expertise from fields including public health, sport science and sustainability to better understand these challenges and identify practical solutions.
The doctoral researchers will study issues such as the environmental footprint of sport, how climate change could affect physical activity levels, how sports facilities and events can become more sustainable, and how circular economy approaches could change the way sports equipment is produced and used.
The network will involve seven European universities and more than 50 partner organisations from across the sport, health, policy and industry sectors, including sports federations, international organisations and companies such as Decathlon.
Doctoral researchers will also undertake placements with partner organisations, gaining experience across the sports industry, community sport and policy development. The programme will test new approaches to sustainable sport and physical activity through practical “living lab” projects in healthcare, education and grassroots sport settings.
Professor Chastin said: “SUPER brings together expertise from across Europe to examine how sport and physical activity can remain accessible and beneficial for health while responding to climate change.
“By working with partners from sport, industry and public health we want to develop evidence that helps shape future policies, facilities and practices so that people can stay active in ways that are both sustainable and inclusive.”
Professor Sharron Dolan, Pro-Vice Chancellor Research at Glasgow Caledonian University, said: “As Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, I am particularly proud to see our university leading the SUPER doctoral training network. By bringing together leading researchers, partners and doctoral fellows from across Europe, the programme will support the development of the next generation of researchers needed to address some of the most pressing environmental and societal challenges of our time.”
Applications for the 17 fellowships close on April 19, with candidates joining host institutions including Glasgow Caledonian University, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Blanquerna – Universitat Ramon Llull, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Audencia Business School, Ghent University and the University of Lausanne.
SUPER is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network funded by Horizon Europe and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation.
Further information about the fellowships and application process is available at www.thisissuper.eu