Photo: Santa at Hartpury House (AI-generated image)
Hartpury University is inviting families, science enthusiasts and the local community to discover whether sports science can save Santa at its free annual Christmas Lecture on Thursday 3 December 2026.
Titled The Science of Christmas: Can Sports Science Save Santa?, this year's festive event will see Hartpury researchers explore the extraordinary challenges facing Father Christmas as he prepares to deliver millions of presents around the world in just one night.
From maintaining his energy levels and coping with extreme temperatures to making split-second decisions and avoiding injury, Santa's Christmas Eve journey presents a series of challenges that would test even the world's most accomplished athletes.
But could sports science provide the answers?
Taking place at Hartpury University's Lecture Theatre from 6:00pm to 8:30pm, the free public lecture will bring research to life through live demonstrations, fascinating scientific insights and interactive activities designed to engage audiences of all ages.
Now a popular fixture in Hartpury University's annual events calendar, the Christmas Lecture brings science to life for the local community through a different festive theme each year. Building on the success of previous events, this year's lecture will turn the spotlight on sports science, combining research with Christmas-inspired challenges and interactive activities for all ages.
The evening will centre around five festive scientific challenges, drawing on Hartpury's expertise in sports science and human performance.
Researchers will investigate the physical demands of Santa's journey, exploring the strength, stamina and endurance needed to complete his extraordinary mission. They'll also examine the importance of nutrition and energy, revealing how Santa might stay fueled throughout the night.
With a journey spanning different climates and environments, the lecture will consider how the human body responds to extreme temperatures, while also exploring the role of concentration, focus and decision-making when working under pressure.
Finally, researchers will turn their attention to injury prevention and safety, investigating how Santa can minimise risks and make it home safely after his busiest night of the year.
By combining festive fun with real-world scientific principles, the event aims to inspire curiosity and demonstrate how research into sport, exercise and human performance can help us better understand the challenges faced by athletes and in everyday life.
Tracey Devonport, Professor of Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology at Hartpury University, said:"Our Christmas Lecture has become a popular opportunity to welcome the local community to Hartpury and showcase our research in a fun, interactive and accessible way.
"This year, we're putting sports science to the ultimate festive test. Santa has an extraordinary job to do, and we'll be exploring whether the same scientific principles that help athletes perform at their best could help him complete his Christmas Eve journey.
"We hope to spark curiosity, inspire future scientists and show that science can be both fascinating and fun. We can't wait to welcome visitors of all ages and find out whether we've done enough to save Santa!"
The Science of Christmas: Can Sports Science Save Santa? takes place on Thursday 3 December 2026, from 6:00pm to 8:30pm, at Hartpury University's Lecture Theatre.
Attendance is free, but advance booking is essential.
Book your free place: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/HEMR
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Interested in studying at Hartpury University? Join us at an upcoming open day on 28 November or 9 January. Learn more here.
