A large research community at the University of Strathclyde and across the UK delivers school-based research into physical activity and health. In COVID-19 times this research is facing new challenges as schools have to get on with doing what they do best – educating. Researchers must also align their own research to COVID-19 recovery strategies.

This event will help chart the way forward for researchers planning relevant, safe, and impactful physical activity and health research in schools.

We will hear from key informants who have been working within the education sector during COVID-19 times across the UK. Questions and polls will be posted within the session.

Event Overview

• Dr. Deirdre Harrington (University of Strathclyde) will open the session and briefly describe the motivations and goals
• Mr. Jonny Penman (Glasgow City Council) will talk about on-going physical activity and PE support to Glasgow city primary schools over the last year
• Mr. Stuart Kay (Learning Without Limits Academy Trust) will outline where some schools and Academy Trusts in England are placing physical activity in the recovery
• Dr. Leanne Doherty (Ulster University) will describe the experiences of a school-based research trial in Northern Ireland as the pandemic hit
• Mr. Gethin Thomas (Welsh Government independent advisor and Bangor University) will bring a perspective of working with policy makers in Wales on curriculum changes during a pandemic
• Dr. Michelle O’Reilly (University of Leicester and Leicestershire Partnership Trust) will chair the session and pose thought-provoking questions

Full details of the speakers can be found under further information.