Professor Vicky Tolfrey is sat in front screen showing a wheelchair athlete

Professor Vicky Tolfrey (centre) gave a keynote speech at the summit, as well as taking part in a panel discussion.

Global summit brings together world renowned experts to help tackle inclusivity in sport performance

Loughborough’s world-leading experts in the field of sport and inclusivity have played a key part in the Global Sport University Network (GSUN) 2024 summit.

The summit brought together internationally acclaimed academics with industry experts and representatives from sports leagues and federations to address current issues impacting inclusivity in sport performance. 

Hosted by the University of Oregon in the USA, the two-day event featured presentations, panel discussions and networking events, all aimed at enhancing global knowledge and finding solutions. 

Sharing their insights at the summit were a host of Loughborough University academics and leaders, regarded as world experts in the areas of para sport, women’s sport and health, AI in sport, and sport technology and engineering.

Speaking about the GSUN summit, Professor Jo Maher, the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport, said: “It was inspirational to see so many global experts and leaders in the field of sport and inclusivity come together to share knowledge and ideas for future collaborations.

“The GSUN is such a powerful community, demonstrating the difference we can make by working together. I’m proud that Loughborough University is one of the founding members of the network and co-chair of its leadership council, along with the University of Oregon.”

Launched in 2023, the GSUN is a group of universities from around the world that harnesses knowledge on sport to solve timely, complex problems that no one university could fully address on its own. The network connects industry, governing bodies, sport commissions, media and other key stakeholders with researchers, educators and higher education institutions in four key thematic areas: Health and Performance, Inclusivity and Societal Impact, Innovation, and Sustainability. 

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