On Wednesday 4 April 2026, Regent College London’s (RCL) School of Health and Sports Science (SoHSS) hosted its inaugural Research Showcase at the Fitzrovia Campus.
The event highlighted the School of Health and Sports Science’s growing research culture, providing a platform for staff and students to share their work, ideas and perspectives. It marked an important milestone as the School continues to expand its academic portfolio while strengthening its commitment to research-informed teaching and professional practice.
A growing research culture at the School of Health and Sports Science
In recent years, the School of Health and Sports Science has grown significantly in both scope and ambition. Alongside developing new programmes and strengthening employer engagement, the School has placed increasing emphasis on building an inclusive research culture that connects academic study with real-world practice.
The Research Showcase reflected this progress, demonstrating how scholarship is increasingly embedded across teaching, leadership and professional engagement within the School of Health and Sports Science.
Research as a shared endeavour
A key message throughout the event was that research within the School of Health and Sports Science is a shared endeavour. Academic staff contribute through pedagogical innovation, professional engagement, and research-informed teaching that enhance the student learning experience.
Students also play a vital role in the School’s research culture. Through their studies, they bring fresh perspectives, critical thinking and new insights shaped by academic learning and lived experience. Together, these contributions highlight a vibrant and evolving research community.
Exploring four key research themes
The School of Health and Sports Science Research Showcase was structured around four key themes that reflect the breadth of work taking place across the School.
Critical Thinking in Education
This theme explored the importance of intellectual rigour and reflective practice in developing capable graduates and thoughtful educators within the fields of health and sports science.
Student Perspectives and Emerging Insights
This strand celebrated the voices of students within the School of Health and Sports Science, highlighting their role as active contributors to knowledge and reinforcing the School’s commitment to inclusive learning and academic partnership.
Research in Action – Practice-Based Insights
Presentations within this theme demonstrated how research in health and sports science informs professional practice and real-world impact across healthcare, sport and education settings.
Thriving in Education and Practice
This theme focused on supporting staff and students at the School of Health and Sports Science to thrive academically, professionally and personally within an evolving higher education landscape.
An enriching programme of research and discussion
Attendees experienced a varied and engaging programme featuring insightful presentations from both School of Health and Sports Science students and academic staff, as well as a panel discussion and two keynote speakers.
The first keynote was delivered by Dr Mark Holland, Associate TIRIAE Professor at the University of Greater Manchester. His presentation, How do acute physicians make a diagnosis?, offered a fascinating insight into the diagnostic decision-making processes used by consultant acute physicians.
The second keynote speaker was Dr James Alder, Lecturer at Arden University. His presentation, From trauma to transformation: How movement heals the mind – Insights from research, resilience and real stories, explored how rigorous sport and exercise science research can drive meaningful transformation in real-world settings.
Recognising excellence at the School of Health and Sports Science
Once the programme concluded, a panel comprising Dr Elizabeth Kaplunov (Research Lead and Senior Lecturer at SoHSS), Dr Caroline Reid (Head of Health at SoHSS) and Joanne Hooker (Associate Provost) selected the best presentation within each theme.
Theme 1: Critical Thinking in Education
Dr Lithin Zacharias, Dissertation writing experiences of postgraduate students
The dissertation process is an important aspect of postgraduate students’ academic journey. Completing the dissertation within the deadline, along with other academic commitments and other responsibilities, can affect the wellbeing of the students. Students are required to demonstrate independence, resilience, and academic competence throughout the dissertation process. This study explores the academic, personal and contextual factors that influence the dissertation writing process of postgraduate students.
Theme 2: Student Perspectives and Emerging Insights
Sumandeep Kaur, Health consequences of social isolation among older adults
This study explores the health consequences of social isolation among older adults in the UK. The primary aim was to examine the physiological, psychological and social health impacts of social isolation, with specific objectives focusing on chronic physical conditions, mental wellbeing outcomes and social functioning. The research responds to growing concerns around population ageing and the long-term implications of social isolation for health and social care systems.
Theme 3: Research in Action – Practice-Based Insights
Saige Dhotman, Undergraduate experiences of safety and unsafety related to gender-based violence
The study reported in this dissertation explores students’ representations and experiences of gender-based violence (GBV) as reflected in photographs of spaces on and around the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus. The aim of the study was to explore undergraduate students’ experiences of unsafety and safety, in relation to GBV. Gender conflict theory grounds the study within the social constructivist model framework, as it provides possible explanations for the occurrence of GBV.
Theme 4: Thriving in Education and Practice
Dominique Porter-Whitaker, Impostor syndrome in high-achieving academics
This review examines impostor syndrome in higher education, focusing on how persistent self-doubt develops among high-achieving academics despite objective evidence of competence. The aim is to critically synthesise existing literature to explore contributing psychological and structural factors, impacts on academic performance and wellbeing, and evidence-informed strategies for addressing impostor feelings within academic contexts.
A celebration of research at the School of Health and Sports Science
The inaugural SoHSS Research Showcase was a fantastic success, highlighting the School’s growing and dynamic research culture while celebrating the achievements of both staff and students.
By bringing together a diverse range of perspectives and research topics, the event demonstrated the strength of the School’s academic community and its commitment to research-informed teaching and professional practice.
Dr Elizabeth Kaplunov, Research Lead and Senior Lecturer at SoHSS and a member of the planning committee, reflected on the event: “This showcase reflects the energy and curiosity that exists within our School. It was inspiring to see both staff and students sharing their research, engaging in meaningful discussions and contributing to a culture where inquiry and collaboration continue to grow.”
Following the success of this inaugural event, the School looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to create opportunities for scholarship, collaboration and innovation in the years ahead.
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