Hartpury University hosted its annual Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) Conference on July 9, 2025, bringing together leading academics, students, and industry professionals to celebrate innovation and applied research across diverse fields.
The conference, themed "Research in Practice," showcased cutting-edge studies and fostered collaboration to address real-world challenges.
Keynote speakers inspire attendees
The conference featured two distinguished keynote speakers:
- Prof. Keith Stokes from the University of Bath, who presented "Big Impacts in Rugby Union: Tackling Safety with Science." His talk highlighted advancements in injury prevention in sport and frailty reduction in older adults, drawing on his extensive research and partnerships with organizations such as the Rugby Football Union and World Rugby.
- Associate Prof. Danielle D’Lima from UCL’s Centre for Behaviour Change, who delivered "A Behavioural Science Approach to Implementing Change: Translating Lessons from Healthcare to the Hartpury Research Context." Her insights into capacity building and implementation science captivated the audience, emphasising the importance of applying behavioural science to education and research.
Diverse research presentations
The conference featured a robust programme of oral and poster presentations across themes such as performance, environment, and wellbeing. Highlights included:
- Equine Welfare Research: Lorna Cameron’s (Senior Lecturer in Equine Science) study on social stabling and breeding stock management emphasized the need for evidence-based practices to enhance horse welfare.
- Athletic Health: Sarah Sandford’s (Senior Lecturer in Sports Therapy) investigation into urinary stress incontinence among female rugby players shed light on pelvic health challenges in high-impact sports. Tracey Smale (PhD) investigated the impact of menopausal symptomatology on participation in equestrian sport, highlighting how mental and emotional symptoms significantly influence behaviour and engagement in equestrian activities
- Sports Performance: Dr. Matt Cole (Performance Nutritionist and Head of Student Experience) examined caregivers’ nutrition knowledge and the barriers and enablers to optimal dietary provision for male academy football players, emphasizing the critical role of parents and host families in supporting young athletes' nutritional needs.
- Environmental Sustainability: Wing Ng’s (PhD) comparison of soil organic carbon measurement methods provided insights into improving agricultural practices.
- Veterinary Innovations: Misbah Ahmad’s (PhD) IYOLO-FAM model demonstrated the potential of AI in monitoring cow behaviour, revolutionizing livestock management.
- Human-Animal Interactions: Dr. Polly Doodson’s (PhD) exploration of public perceptions of zoo animal interactions highlighted the importance of education-focused approaches to conservation. Lilly Harris explored the perceptions of autonomy-supportive coaching behaviours among dog training instructors and dog owners, shedding light on how motivational climates can enhance confidence and independence in canine-focused coaching environments
Celebrating doctoral achievements
The conference also celebrated the completion of doctoral research projects, including:
- Emma Davies (Senior Lecturer (Research) in Equestrian Performance): Investigating psychological responses to occupational injuries in British horseracing staff, revealing the impact of industry culture on injury reporting and help-seeking behaviours.
- Sandy Wilson (Hartpury University-funded PhD via a Studentship): Evaluating sleep interventions for student-athletes, emphasizing the need for behaviour change strategies to improve sleep health.
- Fiona Bloom (Lecturer Veterinary Physiotherapy): Identifying risk factors for gait-related eliminations in British endurance competitions, contributing to equine welfare advancements.
- Dr. Polly Doodson (Self-funded PhD): Examining public perceptions of zoo animal interactions, offering recommendations to align practices with conservation goals.
Professor Stephen Draper, Academic Dean (Research and Knowledge Exchange) said: "The Hartpury Research and Knowledge Exchange Conference is a celebration of the incredible work being done by our staff, students, and collaborators to address real-world challenges through applied research. Research is at the heart of everything we do at Hartpury University, driving innovation, enhancing education, and creating meaningful impact across industries. By fostering a culture of curiosity and collaboration, we empower our students and staff to push boundaries, solve problems, and contribute to a better future for animals, people, and the planet."
Acknowledgments and Future Plans
The conference was made possible through the efforts of Hartpury University’s dedicated staff, volunteers, and IT and estates teams. Special thanks were extended to the University of the West of England (UWE) Bristol for their continued support.
Hartpury University looks forward to hosting the next RKE Conference on July 9, 2026, continuing its commitment to fostering impactful research and collaboration.
Read more about research and knowledge exchange at Hartpury University.
