About the institute

Established in 1997, the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES) continues to be the cutting-edge and vibrant home of research activity within the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences.

Approaching our 30th anniversary in 2027, RISES has over 25 visiting or honorary researchers from around the globe who provide world-leading expertise and insight.

RISES successfully maintains a high profile international reputation for its research outputs, impact and environment.

Highlights from REF 2021

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) assesses the quality and impact of UK research on a seven-year cycle, with REF 2021 being the most recent round.

  • 100%

    of the research environment assessed as world-leading
    (REF, 2021)

  • 2nd

    in the UK for research quality power
    (REF, 2021)

Our research groups

Throughout 2025 and 2026, RISES reviewed how its internal strategy could better align with the LJMU Strategy 2030.

As a result, RISES was reorganised into two new strands:

These supergroups are supported by seven discipline-based research groups. Together, they cover topics ranging from exercise physiology and nutrition to applied sport psychology.

Applied Exercise Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism (APNM)

Applied Sport Psychology, Coaching and Pedagogy

Brain and behaviour

Biomechanics

Cardiovascular Health Sciences

Cellular and Molecular Physiology of Lifelong Health (CaMP-LH)

Physical Activity Exchange (PAEx)

Applied Exercise Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism (APNM)

Applied Sport Psychology, Coaching and Pedagogy

Brain and behaviour

Biomechanics

Cardiovascular Health Sciences

Cellular and Molecular Physiology of Lifelong Health (CaMP-LH)

Physical Activity Exchange (PAEx)

Explore RISES