Our work, notably in partnership with ParalympicsGB, has been formally recognised at a ceremony at St James’s Palace for its commitment to research and development in the sector. Huge congratulations to everyone involved.
Our success is also underpinned by its strong integration with Loughborough Sport, where the Para sport ecosystem supports world-leading applied research and performance innovation. Initially established under the leadership of Nik Diaper and now guided by Alasdair Donaldson, this partnership continues to drive progress across performance, inclusion, and athlete support.
From the very outset, our facilities have and continue to be designed to be fully inclusive and accessible, setting new benchmarks across the university sector. Powerbase is a prime example of this commitment, showcasing cutting-edge design and accessibility features that support athletes of all abilities.
For more than three decades, Professor Vicky Tolfrey has dedicated her career to advancing disability and Para sport research, with the past 18 years at Loughborough providing a platform for this work to flourish. This prize reflects not only her leadership, but also the contributions of the wider Peter Harrison Centre (PHC) community.
We are especially grateful to the forty-five PhD researchers, along with numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students, who have helped shape this field over the years. Each and everyone that contributed has strengthened this work and brought new ideas and energy into it.
Everyone in the PHC would like to thank the Peter Harrison Foundation for its continued support over the last twenty years. Their support has been instrumental in advancing research that would not have been possible without their generosity.
Read more about the award on Loughborough University’s website:
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/news-events/news/2025/november/loughborough-awarded-prestigious-prize/
Video credit: Loughborough University