Review of BASES Student Conference 2024

On Tuesday 3 Wednesday 4 April 2024, Manchester Metropolitan University welcomed approximately 200 students and staff from universities across the UK to the BASES Student Conference 2024 for two days of expert guest speakers, knowledge sharing and networking.

Over 80 students shared their work in the form of free communications and poster sessions. Topics included electronic cigarette use effects on cardiorespiratory function, group cohesion in exercise classes, sleep on swimming performance, mindfulness and outdoor exercise, and much more.

Delegates also heard from key speakers Professor John Hawley (Head of the Exercise and Nutrition Programme and Director of the Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University) and Dr Peter Olusoga (Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Sheffield Hallam University).

Helen Scott (Men’s Sprint Podium Potential Coach) and David Daniell (Podium Coach) from British Cycling also shared their insights on what it is like to be part of an interdisciplinary sports team.

Elsewhere, Professor Alun Williams FBASES (Professor of Sport and Exercise Genomics, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport), Dr Georgina Stebbings (Reader in Sport and Exercise Physiology, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport), Blair Hamilton (Doctoral Research Student and Lecturer in Exercise Physiology, University of Brighton) and Dr Payoshni Mira (scholar, prominent athlete rights activist and campaigner) took part in a panel discussion on eligibility for the female category in sport.

In addition, delegates were also invited to attend breakout sessions with specialists on topics ranging from sports technology to PhDs and career development and working with para-athletes.

On the first evening of the conference, attendees also enjoyed a catwalk showcase of sportswear designs from recent graduates from Manchester Fashion Institute’s BA (Hons) Fashion and BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology courses.

Several students who presented at the conference also received awards and have been added to the BASES Student Conference Hall of Fame. These are as follows:

Undergraduate awards

Undergraduate Free Communication Presentation Award sponsored by Human Kinetics

Harry Cannon-Noren, Edge Hill University

Undergraduate Poster Presentation Award sponsored by Cranlea

Finlay Morgan, University of Portsmouth

Postgraduate awards

Postgraduate Free Communication Presentation Award sponsored by Human Kinetics

Fran Collings, University of Aberdeen

Postgraduate Poster Presentation Award sponsored by Human Kinetics

Victoria Tidmas, University of Hertfordshire

Other awards

Best Applied Impact Presentation Award sponsored by Supporting Champions

Jai Dunne, Manchester Metropolitan University

Sustainable Research Award sponsored by Routledge/Taylor & Francis

Esther Carter, University of Hull

Written by Beth Dawson, Marketing Officer, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport.

The BASES Board recently agreed to pilot a single Conference, combining the Annual Conference and the Student Conference, with the potential for cost, logistical, engagement and knowledge distribution opportunities for the BASES community. Discussions are taking place around the frequency and optimum timelines for a pilot, with consideration for flexible conference packages. It is anticipated that this would be a three-day conference with the first day dedicated to student presentations, the middle day overlapping for both student and professionals, and the third day dedicated to professional member presentations. More details will be shared with members in due course.