The award is granted based on nomination, peer review and reflecting a number of criteria including having made a significant contribution to the conceptual, empirical, and theoretical development in the field, advancing the pedagogy and teaching of the sport management discipline, and reflecting EASM’s values in leadership, service, scholarship, and collegiality.
In presenting the award to Paul, Professor Marijke Taks from the University of Ottawa noted that among many contributions, Paul has published over 120 articles in many different peer-reviewed journals, having a h-index of 45, with seven books, 23 book chapters, numerous national and international conference presentations, as well as having 17 research and policy grants. His work has been cited over 7,500 times. His i10-index is 104, meaning that he has 104 publications that were cited at least ten times.
Professor Taks said that his theoretical and empirical contributions have significantly enriched our understanding of sport, uncovering insights into the effectiveness of policy and, whilst using advanced methods of analysis, maintains a practical and managerial perspective and presents complex empirical work in a comprehensible manner, which is much appreciated in academia.
She also emphasised that Paul has led EASM’s journal ESMQ (European Sport Management Quarterly) for an unprecedented two terms, increasing the number of issues, enhancing its quality and impact factor, and adapting the editorial board to accommodate growing submission numbers and diverse topics. Importantly, he has championed gender diversity, implementing a gender-balanced editorial board and ensuring gender balance among Associate Editors.
Professor Downward’s textbook remains a prime resource in many sport management curricula across the globe. It was also said that through active participation at many EASM conferences, Paul has continuously mentored, supported and encouraged colleagues, and in particular, younger scholars, which is also reflected in appointments to the ESMQ Board of Editors. This reflects his dedication to the growth and development of future academics in the field.
One reviewer commented: “I can report that he is a true testimonial of EASM’s values in all areas. He has always provided excellent leadership with regard to my research and my career, the collaborations with him have significantly affected my research, and he has always been very collegial. One of his strengths is providing balanced judgments in conflicting areas and working towards solutions that everybody can live with… it has been a pleasure to conduct research with him (and still is).”
Professor Downward remarked that he was overwhelmed to receive the Award and it was a very emotional experience to hear the support and kind comments from the EASM community and peers whom he deeply respects. Furthermore, it was very gratifying to see how his career in the EASM community had grown in terms of scale but also importantly the diversity of areas of scholarship covered, the diversity of scholars at the event, and particularly the active involvement of many young scholars, all of which bode very well for the future of EASM and sport management.
Professor Downward is the third recipient of this Award from Loughborough. Previously, (now Emeritus) Professors Ian Henry and Barrie Houlihan have received the award.