At Edinburgh Napier University, we recognise the power of sport to drive meaningful impact - locally, nationally and globally. Sport acts as a transformative tool for communities, shaping wellbeing, opportunity and social change.

This 'Napier Talks' event brings together three leading professors from our School of Applied Sciences to explore how sport can influence talent development, sector growth and community transformation. Through research, innovation and partnership, their work demonstrates how sport can expand its beneficial impact across all areas of society.

This event is ideal for students, practitioners, community organisations, and anyone interested in the role of sport in shaping stronger, healthier and more connected communities.

Event overview

• Hear from leading experts shaping the future of sport
• Explore how research informs real‑world practice
• Gain insight into sector innovation and community impact
• Connect with academics, practitioners and partners
• Join a vibrant conversation about the future of sport in Scotland and beyond

Guest speakers

• Professor Peter Barlow, Dean of Research and Innovation

Event host and welcome

• Professor Russell Martindale, Professor of Sport Psychology and Talent Development  
  Talk: Enhancing Talent Development Environments in Elite Sport: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice
  
  Russell explores the principles of high‑quality talent development systems and the evolution of the Talent Development Environment Questionnaire (TDEQ). Drawing on international examples, he highlights how research‑informed tools can strengthen athlete development and support practitioners working in elite sport.
  
  
• Professor Tom Campbell, Professor of Enterprise and Knowledge Exchange in Sport  
  Talk: An Industry‑First Approach to Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise
  
  Tom discusses how academia can embed itself within sector communities, co‑producing knowledge shaped by industry need. Using examples from the cycling and mountain biking sectors, he illustrates how enterprise and sustained partnership can drive innovation and support sector development.
  
  
• Professor Susan Brown, Professor of Applied Sport Science & Practice Innovation  
  Talk: From Insight to Impact: Reimagining Sport Engagement at Edinburgh Napier University
  
  Susan shares her journey from practitioner researcher to Head of Sport Engagement, highlighting how sport can transform people, communities and the University. She outlines a bold vision for ENU where sport drives social change, accelerates opportunity and positions the University as a national and international leader in sport engagement.

Advanced registration is essential.

Find out more about speakers and reserve your place here >