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We have substantially redirected anti-doping in sport by informing global education policy and practice at the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the European Commission, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and UK Athletics (UKA). Work conducted on behalf of the WADA — who implement and disseminate our findings — has had a worldwide effect on the design, implementation and evaluation of anti-doping education in sport. Our global reach and influence has been achieved by creating an evidence-base of existing literature, then moving to challenge current delivery methods and to informing future anti-doping policy and practice.
The research, conducted at Loughborough University between 1998 and 2013, into two central issues in sport governance, gender equity and doping, has changed the policies and procedures of two international sports organisations and their domestic affiliates. For the International Olympic Committee (IOC) the change in policy was in the manner in which gender equity targets for National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are to be identified and met. With regard to the World Anti-Doping Agency the impact has been (i) on the way in which anti-doping education programmes are planned and evaluated and (ii) on the promotion of domestic legislation to combat doping in sport.
Professor Andy Miah's research on the ethics of human enhancement has transformed the working lives of three principal professional communities: curators of UK flagship festivals and exhibitions (Abandon Normal Devices festival, the Wellcome Trust, Edinburgh International Science Festival); journalists (coverage on doping); and politicians and civil servants working on technology policy (European Parliament, World Anti-Doping Agency). His pioneering research has led to the creation of new artistic work, shaped policy directions, contributed to public engagement with bioethics, and advanced debate on the ethics of digital and biological technology.
This case study demonstrates how research at the University of Bath on athlete technique and performance in sprinting and hurdling events has been translated back to the end users in order to improve their performance. The primary pathway to impact is via Dr Salo's involvement in applied work with virtually all top British sprinters and hurdlers and their coaches over the last 5 years (including all those who have represented Britain in major Championships). As a consequence of his research since 1998, Dr Salo has helped specific athletes to win medals, brought new insights to coach education and practice, instigated changes to routine practices within UK Athletics and also translated his expertise to other Olympic sports.