Section: Physical Education and Social Sciences

Lecture Title: A Movement-Focused Approach to Design Spaces for Physical Activity: An Evaluation of a Rich Landscape of Affordances Called The Skills Garden

Dr Navarro is a Senior Lecturer in Skill Acquisition at the School of Psychology, Sports and Health at the University of Portsmouth and the Director of the Athletic Skills Model UK (https://www.athleticskillsmodel.nl/en/). Dr Navarro’s latest research focuses on testing and evaluating contemporary models of skill development including the Athletic Skills Model across grassroots and elite performance and physical education alongside the impact of innovative design on built environments for physical activity and sports. She has worked as an academic and in the sports coaching industry over the last 13 years at universities and organisations in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Brazil and the UK. As an academic with a focus on innovation, Dr Navarro currently works with several National Governing Bodies, Sports Clubs and Schools to capacitate sports and strength & condition coaches and physical education teachers on designing movement programmes and spaces to develop adaptable and versatile performers.

Section: Sport Performance and Exercise Testing

Lecture Title: Athlete Physiology in the Digital Arena: Monitoring Health and Performance in Esports and the Emerging Role of Athlete Practitioner Support

Craig McNulty completed a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in 2017, investigating oxygen uptake kinetics in athlete and non-athlete populations. Craig is a Senior Lecturer within the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences. Craig's research topics include: esports exercise physiology and energy expenditure, and esports athlete health. He supervises a number of post-graduate research students across topics of women's health, sleep, and performance physiology in esports. Craig's research in the field of esports is internationally recognised, includes multi-disciplinary publications, and several books and book chapters. Craig coordinates two units (Foundational Practice in Exercise Science, and Clinical Skills in Exercise Physiology), and teaches in to several others (including Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health).

Section: Physical Activities and Health Sciences

Lecture Title: Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility in Physical Education

Dr. Ian Whyte is a highly experienced educator and sports coach who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his teaching and lecturing. With a diverse background in teaching, management, and sports coaching, Dr. Whyte's journey in education and athletics has been both multifaceted and impactful. Throughout his career, Dr. Whyte has held various academic positions, including Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, and Head of Department in post-16 further education institutions and universities. He completed his PhD at the University of Sunderland, England, where he then rose to the position of Head of Department in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing. In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Whyte is an accomplished sports coach with over four decades of experience. His coaching career spans multiple disciplines, with notable successes in gymnastics and track and field athletics. He has coached and mentored athletes who have competed at prestigious events such as the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, European Championships, and Olympic Games.

Despite his extensive academic and professional commitments, Dr. Whyte remains dedicated to giving back to the community through volunteer coaching in track and field athletics. He has also served as a National Tutor Trainer for the UK’s National Coaching Foundation, contributing to the development of coaches at a national level. Ian also currently trains and races at Masters Swimming Events. Dr. Ian Whyte's background encompasses a rich tapestry of teaching, management, and sports coaching experiences across various sectors. His commitment to advancing educational opportunities and fostering personal development resonates deeply in all that he undertakes. As such, he has embraced the role of Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the International Network of Sport and Health Sciences (INSHS) and most recently has taken up a voluntary post as Chair of the Board of Trustees of ECO STEM AFRICA, a charity that aims to develop educational opportunities across African countries.