News

This section will keep you up-to-date with all the latest news from the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport.

Two wheelchair tennis players on a grass court

Wheelchair tennis on grass courts: Impact through partnerships

As Wimbledon 2025 begins, The Peter Harrison Centre announces the positive impact of its wheelchair tennis research on grass courts. This research, led by Professor Vicky Tolfrey and Dr Thomas Rietveld, in collaboration with key partners, demonstrates that wheelchair tennis can be safely played on grass with specific wheelchair modifications, ensuring no undue damage to the courts.

Peter Harrison Centre Members Feature in Loughborough University’s ‘Let’s Talk Para’ Podcast Series

Members of the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport (PHC) have taken centre stage in a recent series of episodes from Loughborough University’s ‘Let’s Talk Para’ podcast. The podcast, which launched at the beginning of the academic year, is dedicated to spotlighting para athletes and the world of disability and para sport.

Peter Harrison Centre members attend the 7th RehabMove congress in Groningen, the Netherlands

Members of the Peter Harrison Centre (PHC) attended the 7th RehabMove congress in Groningen, the Netherlands. Bringing together researchers, clinicians, sport professionals, patient groups, sports unions, industry, and other partners in rehabilitation, adaptive sport, and healthcare, the event focused on mobility, active lifestyles, and adaptive sports for people with disabilities. PHC members delivered keynote lectures, oral and poster presentations on topics ranging from shoulder health in wheelchair users to performance in para sport.

Loughborough University Welcomes Dr. Fransiska Bossuyt as Visiting Fellow

The Peter Harrison Centre is proud to welcome Dr Fransiska Bossuyt as a Visiting Fellow within the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. A leading expert in shoulder health among wheelchair athletes, Dr Bossuyt brings her expertise from ETH Zurich to enhance research, education, and injury prevention in Para and disability Sport.

Iain Gowans PLY completes his PhD

On May 14th, Doctoral researcher Iain Gowans PLY successfully defended his PhD thesis, becoming our centre’s newest Dr!
PhD Student and PHC member of staff with a GB wheelchair rugby player on the treadmill in the PHC lab

Six Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Para Sport Performance Research

We are excited to announce a unique opportunity for aspiring researchers: six fully funded PhD scholarships as part of our newly launched interdisciplinary research cluster. These scholarships are designed to foster cutting-edge research that directly supports and enhances elite Para sport performance.
Melanie Woods in the Human-Flow Interactions Wind Tunnel

Collaboration uses Loughborough’s vehicle aerodynamic knowledge to enhance Para sport performance

A collaborative project, led by academics at Loughborough University, is using expertise from the field of vehicle aerodynamics and wheelchair design to better support wheelchair racers taking part in the next Paralympics and beyond.
Jorge Candiotti at Loughborough

The Peter Harrison Laboratory continues its relationship with the University of Pittsburgh by welcoming Dr Jorge Candiotti for a visit

On 13th March, we welcomed Associate Professor Jorge Candiotti from the University of Pittsburgh to our laboratory, strengthening our ongoing collaboration in assistive technology. During his visit, he helped calibrate new SmartWheels, which will support research in wheelchair racing and potentially expand to other wheelchair sports.
A group of 5 people, including three wheel-chair users in front of WWR banners

Professor Vicky Tolfrey attends a World Wheelchair Rugby event championing gender equity with a landmark declaration and game-changing playbook

On 4th March, World Wheelchair Rugby (WWR) signed the Brighton Plus Helsinki 2014 Declaration, reinforcing its commitment to gender equity. Alongside this, WWR launched the Wheelchair Rugby Gender Equity Playbook to boost female participation and leadership.
Richard Whitehead at testing lab at Loughborough University - running on the treadmill

Richard Whitehead MBE visits Peter Harrison Laboratory during his 20-marathon challenge for 2025

Paralympian Richard Whitehead, PLY MBE, visited Loughborough University for testing as he prepares to run 20 marathons in 2025, aiming for 100 total. His visit gave students hands-on sports science experience ahead of his next race on March 8th.
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