Speakers

Prof Richard Bracken

Senior Academic in Human Physiology, Swansea University

Professor Bracken leads management of the Applied Sport and Technology and Medicine research centre within the Department of Sports and Exercise Sciences. Alongside this role he is the Co-Director of an Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Health Technologies within the Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Swansea University. He is Vice-Chair for the Exercise and Physical Activity study group (ExPAS) of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. Professor Brackens’ research interests lie in the intersection of novel medications, nutrition and physical exercise/activity in the improvement of health in the person with diabetes or obesity and has active global research collaborations. He has published many research articles and speaks regularly at clinical and applied conferences.

Prof Larissa Davies

Professor of Applied Sports Economics, Manchester Metropolitan University 

Larissa is Research Lead for the Department of People and Performance (Sport Policy Unit), in the Faculty of Business and Law. Larissa is also part of the Institute of Sport (IOS) and the Institute for Children’s Futures. Larissa joined Manchester Metropolitan University from Sheffield Hallam University in February 2024, where she was a senior research leader in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and the Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC). 

Prof Patrick Doherty

Chair of Cardiovascular Health in the Department of Health Sciences & Director of the National Audit of Cardiac Rehabilitation (NACR). 

Patrick was former president of the British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR) and former Chair of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC). He continues to be highly research active in the area of cardiovascular disease prevention and rehabilitation with over 120 peer reviewed journal papers in the last ten years.

Patrick was Head of Research and Head of Department for eight years and in that time he led a successful Research Excellence Framework (REF) submission within Unit of Assessment 2 (Health services and public health research). His research has led to significant impact and change in health service policy and cardiac rehabilitation delivery which culminated in a world-leading impact case rating in REF 2021.

Patrick’s commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and rehabilitation led to his appointment as NHS Clinical Lead for Cardiac Rehabilitation (2013) where he supported service innovation in the NHS and led the development of an evidence-based clinical pathway (Department of Health Cardiac Rehabilitation Commissioning Pack) which is continues to inform NHS routine practice standards. His research continues to influence clinical practice through improvements in uptake and the quality of cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation services. Patrick has also developed a chair based exercise programme that formed an integral part of a successful NIHR funded programme grant (REACH-HF) and led a substantial update of the Angina Plan (2020) which is a successful self-management approach for patients with cardiac related chest pain.

Patrick's research and academic supervision has supported 16 PhD students (11 international) to success with many continuing into post-doctoral collaborative research. He continues to supervise national and international research students in the area of cardiovascular health, physical activity improvement, exercise prescription and patient self-management interventions.

Gregg Stevenson MBE

Gregg Stevenson MBE is a Paralympic gold medallist, former Royal Engineers Commando, and dedicated advocate for veteran and community health. After being injured in Afghanistan and medically discharged, Gregg rebuilt his identity through elite sport and public service. He is now a PhD researcher focused on rehabilitation access for underserved communities and has led national initiatives in mental health, resilience, and veteran healthcare. Gregg brings lived experience, academic insight, and powerful storytelling to every stage he steps on.

Dame Sarah Storey 

Dame Sarah Storey is a record-breaking British Paralympian, renowned for her achievements in both swimming and cycling. She began her Paralympic career as a swimmer at the age of 14, competing in the 1992 Barcelona Games. Over four Paralympic Games, she won 15 medals in swimming, including five golds. 

In 2005, Dame Sarah transitioned to cycling, where she continued to excel, becoming one of the most successful Paralympians in history. Dame Sarah is a 45-time World Champion and holder of 30 Paralympic medals across swimming and cycling, 19 of which are gold.  Dame Sarah also competed in 2010-2012 in the Team Pursuit Discipline. She was appointed a Dame Commander in the 2013 New Year Honours, having previously been awarded an MBE in 1998 and OBE in 2009. 

Sport is a central part of Dame Sarah’s life, she is also the President of Lancashire County Cricket Club, as well as being The Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester, where she over sees Active Travel on behalf of the Mayor of Greater Manchester.  

Dame Sarah has also been appointed a Visiting Professor at Manchester Metropolitan University, where she plays a key role in the promotion and research of women’s health.