The strategic collaboration between ukactive Research Institute and the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) at Sheffield Hallam University aims to examine the role of physical activity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initial three-year partnership will look to support the physical activity sector within the UK and across Europe with ground-breaking, relevant and up-to-date research, which will help inform policy and address inequality in terms of participation in physical activity across communities.

The research will draw on academic and industry expertise to provide insight and strategies that the sector can use to increase access from economically disadvantaged groups, prioritising the physical and mental health of the most inactive parts of the population.

While the initial year sees a focus on COVID-19, the collaboration will also address longer-term research questions and opportunities to improve physical activity at the population levels.