Lancaster University has been chosen as a UK Outreach Hub for the British Association of Sports and Exercise Science (BASES).

Lancaster was among ten institutions judged to be within the top 10 out of 24 competitive submissions to BASES from across the UK.

Dr Sarah Powell, Director of Part One Sports and Exercise Science and Director of Outreach at Lancaster Medical School, sits on the BASES outreach project group.

She said: “I will be working with BASES to lead a pilot Schools Poster Competition to increase school and college engagement with the discipline and support the next generation of sport and exercise scientists.”

In September 2023, BASES will launch a poster competition aimed at engaging students aged between 14 and 18 years and studying GCSE, BTEC or A-Level subjects related to sport and exercise sciences.

Students will be invited onto campus to engage in workshops and practical activities ending with an offer to enter the BASES poster competition.

As an Outreach Hub, Lancaster will judge the local entries and submit one to the national competition. The winning school nationally will receive a prize including a visit from a high-profile athlete or coach and the winning poster will be presented at the BASES student conference.

Dr Powell said: “I'm really excited to extend our engagement with schools and colleges to inspire the next generation of sports and exercise scientists. We have a wonderful offer of interactive workshops and laboratory practicals that sees students from across the country visiting Lancaster University to gain a mind-opening insight into the discipline."

Professor John Dickinson, Chair of the BASES Outreach Project Team, said, “Our aim is to drive up the sport and exercise sciences outreach through BASES to improve public awareness and engagement in the fantastic research and applied work that our members produce.”