HNN3.0

Project cooperationUpdated on 12 January 2026

Physical activity, genetics, and epigenetics.

Associate Professor in Health Sciences and Sport at University of Stirling

Stirling, United Kingdom

About

My background is in genetics and epigenetics, with expertise in physical activity research.

My work aims to make people healthier. My research interests include understanding how genetics and epigenetics contribute to inter-individual differences in exercise response, in elite sports performance, and in metabolic disease risk. My physical activity research focuses on the popular Daily Mile intervention, which originated at a local primary school. Our research has helped >5 million children from >21,000 schools in almost 100 countries benefit from The Daily Mile.

Core Expertise:

  • Advanced measurement and analysis of physical activity and sedentary behaviour, particularly in school-age children.

  • Measurement of physiological fitness and health variables such as VO2max, skinfolds, or blood sugar.

  • Biological sample handling and processing (e.g., saliva, blood, or adipose biosy).

  • Molecular (epi)genetics processing and analyses, primarily SNPs and miRNAs.

I am interested in collaborating on health research projects addressing metabolic disease, concussion, mental health issues, or stress mitigation. I am particularly interested in health inequalities, menstruation, and the gender gap in research.

I have a strong track record of delivering impactful multidisciplinary research, working with diverse stakeholders, including governments, charities, athletes, medics, schools, and children.

I welcome the chance to discuss health-focused topics with potential collaborators from any discipline.

Topic

  • DESTINATION 1: HORIZON-HLTH-2026-01-STAYHLTH-02: Behavioural interventions as primary prevention for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among young people
  • DESTINATION 3: HORIZON-HLTH-2026-01-DISEASE-09: Multisectoral approach to tackle chronic non-communicable diseases: implementation research maximising collaboration and coordination with sectors and in settings beyond the healthcare system (GACD)
  • DESTINATION 3: HORIZON-HLTH-2026-01-DISEASE-11: Understanding of sex and/or gender-specific mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases: determinants, risk factors and pathways

Organisation

University of Stirling

University

Stirling, United Kingdom

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