Our research
Drawing on a diverse blend of academic specialisms in multiple schools, we deliver an integrated approach to tackling a number of critical issues.
With its leading reputation for sports-related research - including No. 1 QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017-2023 - and an extensive network of grass roots to global sporting bodies, Loughborough University provides an exciting collaborative environment to explore and address the key climate issues in sport.
Research networks
We recognise the importance of uniting academic research with all aspects of the sports industry to advance knowledge and deliver impact.
We work alongside a variety of organisations, including:
The British Association for Sustainable Sport
A membership organisation supporting a range of major sports, clubs and venues that aims to educate, engage and empower sport in the UK to become world-leading in sustainability.
Chair and co-founder: Dr Russell Seymour
The Sport Ecology Group
A global community of academics seeking to share our research with a broader audience than traditional academic journals will allow.
Founder and co-director: Dr Madeleine Orr
Global Sports University Network
A global collective of universities that aggregates research, faculty insights and student energy to address topics that no one university could fully address on its own.
Co-founded by: The University of Oregon and Loughborough University
Research highlights
Our transdisciplinary research addresses a range of challenges - developing knowledge and understanding of the complex relationship between sport and climate action.
- Environmental challenges expected in Paris – outlining the challenges athletes competing at Paris 2024 will face
- UN Environment Programme study - exploring how sports can protect nature
- Impacts of sport emissions on climate - a global review
- Impacts of climate change on organised sport - a scoping review
Events
We host and contribute to significant events for the academic community and industry in sport.
Experts in Sport podcast - Sport for Climate Action and Nature
Loughborough's Mark Doidge and Jenny Amann join Katie Cross (the Founder of Pledgeball) and host Martin Foster to discuss sport for climate action and nature.
The conversation focuses on Pledgeball and the Green Football Weekend initiative, encouraging football fans to actively contribute towards a net-zero planet.