Napier Talks: Building Communities Through Sport

Lineup

• More details about Host Professor Peter Barlow, Dean of Research and Innovation

  Host Professor Peter Barlow, Dean of Research and Innovation

  Welcome and host for the event

• More details about Professor Russell Martindale, Professor of Sport Psychology and Talent Development, School of Applied Sciences

  Professor Russell Martindale, Professor of Sport Psychology and Talent Development, School of Applied Sciences

  Russell Martindale is a Professor of Sport Psychology and Talent Development in the School of Applied Sciences. His work focuses on understanding the personal characteristics and environmental conditions that enable individuals to develop effectively and realise their potential. A Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, Russell has extensive applied experience supporting athletes and coaches across Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, and World Championship cycles, giving him first-hand insight into the demands and complexities of elite sport. Working in close collaboration with academic colleagues and sport governing bodies, his research is driven by real-world needs, aiming to develop practical, evidence-informed solutions for talent development. This approach has led to the development and ongoing evolution of the Talent Development Environment Questionnaire (TDEQ; Martindale et al., 2010, 2015, 2024), a widely used tool that provides research-informed feedback to talent development systems. The TDEQ has been adopted by practitioners across the UK, Europe, and internationally, enhancing awareness, informing practice, and strengthening the capacity of organisations to support athlete development.

• More details about Professor Tom Campbell, Professor of Enterprise and Knowledge Exchange in Sport, School of Applied Sciences

  Professor Tom Campbell, Professor of Enterprise and Knowledge Exchange in Sport, School of Applied Sciences

  Professor Tom Campbell is Director of Bike Innovation Scotland at Edinburgh Napier University, where he leads work at the interface of industry and academia within the cycling and mountain biking sectors. His work focuses on knowledge exchange and enterprise as mechanisms for supporting sector development, working in partnership with businesses, governing bodies, and public agencies to co-produce solutions shaped by sector need. This includes contributions to national and international initiatives in trail development and evaluation, as well as work exploring initiatives linking rider experience, environmental stewardship, and wellbeing. In collaboration with organisations including Scottish Cycling, South of Scotland Enterprise, Cycle Industries Europe, and the International Mountain Biking Association, he has supported the development of sector capability, informed strategic investment, and contributed to the evolution of professional and educational provision within the field. Through his research and enterprise activity, Tom’s work demonstrates how academia can embed itself within the sectors it serves, aligning knowledge creation with real-world relevance and application.

• More details about Professor Susan Brown, Professor of Applied Sport Science & Practice Innovation, School of Applied Sciences

  Professor Susan Brown, Professor of Applied Sport Science & Practice Innovation, School of Applied Sciences

  Professor Susan Brown is the University Head of Sport Engagement at Edinburgh Napier University, where she has shaped the direction of sport, exercise and health sciences for over two decades. Her career is defined by forging high impact policies such as the University Strategy for Sport and the ENU Dual Career Policy, and partnerships with organisations such as the Scottish FA, Scottish Rugby, Scottish Gymnastics, Cricket Scotland, Arsenal FC, CIMSPA and The R&A, elevating Edinburgh Napier’s national and international profile. Her research focuses on evidence based practice in high performance sport, athlete injury, performance development and workforce innovation. She has led and supervised industry funded PhDs that have delivered global impact, including the development of the FIICCS injury classification system now adopted by FIFA, transforming how injury mechanisms are reported worldwide. A recognised collaborator, she serves on a number of Scottish and UK committees, and contributes to strategic workforce development across the UK with a focus on developing the talent within the sector. Her work continues to influence policy, practice, education and innovation across sport systems nationally and internationally.