About us

Welcome to CSELS

The Centre of Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences (CSELS) undertakes interdisciplinary scientific research through the application of sport, exercise and biological associated sciences to understand life from the molecular level through to the whole body. We aim to provide significant industrial and public sector led advances in technology and practice.

Discover more about CSELS

The Centre has considerable expertise, including cell biology, genomic and molecular biology, biochemistry, nutrition and food science, safety pharmacology, physiology, physical activity and sport performance.

The applied nature of the research undertaken by researchers in the Centre involves engagement with partners in the field of biosciences and healthcare, to identify ‘real life’ problems to provide a solution based approach. The Centre has considerable strengths in Enterprise and Innovation (lead by Professor Sebastien Farnaud) including numerous Knowledge Transfer Partnerships funded through Innovate UK, and two research spin-out companies (InoCardia Ltd and OVO Biomanufacturing).

The cutting edge research undertaken by staff in the Centre influences both practice and policy to improve lives, health and wellbeing within academia, industry and society today. We collaborate with a range of partners, on a portfolio of research projects, funded from a variety of sources including; Research Councils, European Commission, Innovate UK, NHS trusts, industry and charities. Our research partners range from local and international global companies, research institutes and universities in the UK and overseas.

The Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for its doctoral training. Accredited programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers.

The doctoral training accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills. Find out more about the studentships which are currently available at CSELS.

Our team

We have a large and growing team of interdisciplinary researchers who are internationally recognised as leaders in the fields of integrative biosciences and physical activity, sport and exercise sciences.