The event examined how athletes are using their platforms to drive awareness of the environmental challenges shaping the future of sport – and was supported by a philanthropic donation.
Drawing on their lived experience at the highest level of competition, Laura Baldwin and Etienne Stott shared the personal turning points that motivated them to speak out on climate issues and described the work they are doing to encourage systemic change in sport. Their lecture was followed by a panel discussion, led by Dr Mark Doidge, featuring representatives from national governing bodies, Denise Ludlam (Environmental Sustainability Lead at Sport England) and Dr Stephen Mears (Loughborough University), adding further insight into how sport can become a more active force for environmental responsibility.
At the heart of the evening was the legacy of Dr Simon Marshall. A Loughborough alum, Simon completed his PhD in Sport & Exercise Sciences in 2001 under the supervision of Professor Stuart Biddle. Following his PhD and Loughborough post-doc, Simon returned to San Diego to pursue an equally successful academic career. Later he became an entrepreneur, sport consultant, and sport psychologist, working closely with his wife, Lesley Paterson, a world champion triathlete and BAFTA winner. He was an outstanding speaker and writer, including contributing to award-winning screen plays. Simon sadly passed away in 2024 aged 53.
Members of Simon’s family – including his wife, Lesley – attended the lecture.
Dr Simon Marshall pictured on-screen
The lecture was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Biddle Family Scholarship.
The family has a long-standing relationship with Loughborough spanning multiple generations of staff and students. Eight members of the family have had an association with the University. This includes James Biddle in the early 1950s, to James’ son, Grant, a PE student in the 1970s, to Greg (post-doc) and Jack (MSc in Sport & Exercise Nutrition) from 2015. James’ other son, Stuart has been a student (1970s) and staff member, including being Head of the-then School of Sport & Exercise Sciences from 2001-2007. Professor Stuart Biddle joined the session from Australia where he is now based.
The philanthropic support from the Biddle family enabled the Institute of Advanced Studies to provide this free public event, bringing together world-leading research and real-world perspectives to diverse audiences. The lecture demonstrated the meaningful impact of donor support in sustaining spaces where important conversations can flourish – and with the special link to Dr Simon Marshall.
Through the voices of athletes, the support of donors, and the memory of an exceptional alum, the 2026 Simon Marshall Lecture highlighted the challenges facing sport today, and the collective power to shape a more sustainable future.
Thank you to everyone who supported the lecture and made the event a possibility.
A full recording of the lecture is available on the IAS YouTube channel.
In line with the University’s commitment to accessible knowledge-sharing, the lecture has also been released in audio‑only podcast format, joining the growing catalogue of IAS seminars now available on major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Podbean, YouTube & YouTube Music.
