The School of Sport, Health and Applied Science (SHAS) at St Mary’s University, Twickenham has appointed Prof Ken van Someren as Visiting Research Professor, in order to strengthen the institutions research profile in Applied Sport and Exercise Science.
Ken, who is currently Head of Research and Development at the GlaxoSmithKline Human Performance Lab - a world class science facility focused on applied and discovery research - has a long-standing relationship with the University after holding a position as a Research Assistant and completing his PhD at the institution in 2000.
After completing his PhD, Ken went on to lead the Sport and Exercise programmes at Kingston University before taking up a position in the English Institute of Sport as Lead Physiologist and then Director of Science. Ken has broad research interests including sports performance physiology and nutrition, recovery, muscle damage, and exercise in disease states.
Ken will join St Mary’s in the voluntary role in May and will assist in postgraduate research supervision and in the development of research collaborations. The appointment will also provide opportunities for development research and enterprise strategies in the School of Sport, Health and Applied Science.
About the appointment Ken said, "I’m delighted and honoured to be joining the School of Sport, Health and Applied Science as a Visiting Professor. Not only is this a rewarding step in my long-standing relationship with St Mary’s, but more importantly, I look forward to being part of the growing research capability and activity within the School."
St Mary’s Academic Director for Research Dr Charles Pedlar said, “We’re delighted to formalise our working relationship with Ken, and look forward to exploring further ways that we can enhance and strengthen our research profile in the Sport and Exercise Sciences.”