2025 news
This section includes news from the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport from 2025.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Peter Harrison Centre members attend Bolton Indoor ITF2 Wheelchair Tennis Tournament and strengthen LTA partnership with a PhD studentship
Dr Anna Fitzpatrick and Dr Thomas Rietveld visited Bolton to attend the Indoor ITF2 Wheelchair Tennis Tournament and continued conversations on future collaborations between The Peter Harrison Laboratory and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).
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Strengthening Partnerships for Inclusive Physical Activity
Activity Alliance deliver a seminar and collaborate with a PhD studentship.
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Iain Gowans attends ParalympicsGB Strategy Meeting
In January, Peter Harrison Centre Doctoral Researcher Iain Gowans attended a strategy session of ParalympicsGB’s International Relations Committee, held at their headquarters in London. The purpose of the session was to review and develop the ParalympicsGB’s International Relations strategy. The Committee collectively supports ParalympicsGB by making effective use of partnerships and giving contextual intelligence and advice on current and future international developments and trends.
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Adam Dickinson completes his PhD
On the 7th February, Doctoral researcher Adam Dickinson successfully defended his PhD thesis, becoming the newest Dr in our centre!