The Science of Movement

Professor Mark Wilson

Head of the Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences

Mark Wilson is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Exeter, where he is Head of the Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences. His research explores the cognitive and emotional processes that underpin skill acquisition and performance under pressure. He has published over 170 articles on these topics; supervised 20 PhD students to completion, attracted funding from a variety of sources across UKRI, industry, charities; and works as an applied psychologist in elite sport.

Professor Andy Jones

Andy Jones is a Professor of Applied Physiology in the Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences and Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research Quality and Impact at the University of Exeter. He is one of the most respected figures in endurance sports science, with a distinguished career in physiological research and performance optimization. His expertise in aerobic capacity, lactate thresholds, and exercise economy has contributed to record-breaking athletic achievements. He has also consulted for organisations including UK Athletics, the English Institute of Sport, Gatorade Sports Science Institute, and Nike. 

Dr Mary O'Leary

Mary O’Leary is an Associate Professor of Physiology at the University of Exeter and co-leads the BioActivEx research group. Her work focuses on the effects of bioactive compounds on exercise-induced muscle damage, inflammation, and musculoskeletal ageing, using techniques such as proteomics and primary human cell culture. Since joining Exeter in 2018, she has secured funding from industry and public bodies, supervised postgraduate researchers, and collaborated with organisations including Innovate UK, Pukka Herbs, and PepsiCo. 

Kim Zhuoxiu Jin

Kim is a Research Associate in Nutrition at the University of Exeter. She joined the BioActivEx team at Exeter to run an Innovate UK-funded project investigating the development and testing of a plant-based, protein-dense sauce to optimise taste, cost and nutrition of meals for the elderly.

Professor Craig Williams

Craig Williams is a Professor of Paediatric Physiology and Director of the Children’s Health and Exercise Research Centre (CHERC) at the University of Exeter. He is internationally recognised for research into exercise physiology in children and adolescents, with a particular focus on high-intensity exercise, fatigue, and exercise tolerance. His work is applied in both clinical contexts, such as cystic fibrosis and congenital heart disease, and youth sport, supporting the long-term development of young athletes. 

Rebekah Osborne

Rebekah Osborne is a Nike funded PhD student in Exercise Physiology and Northern Ireland international middle-distance runner. Rebekah has experience working with the world’s best middle and long-distance runners and enjoys helping athletes of all levels reach their full potential. Her PhD research is investigating the determinants of successful middle-distance running performance and interventions for optimising performance.