Dr Harry Roberts
Academic and research departments
Section of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.About
Biography
I am a Lecturer of Sport and Exercise Science within the School of Biosciences and Medicine.
I received my PhD in Exercise Physiology from Bangor University under the supervision of Prof. Jeanette Thom, where I explored the effects of physical activity and ageing on knee cartilage morphology and joint biomarkers. I then completed a post-doc in Cancer and Exercise, where I worked on the GAP-4 INTERVAL trial investigating the effect of effects of high-intensity interval training in men with metastatic prostate cancer. Following this, I was appointed as a Teaching Fellow in Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Surrey. Further to my academic work, I am passionate about applied practice, and have significant experience of working within exercise referral and cardiac rehabilitation and I continue to support individuals with long term health conditions wishing to exercise.
Affiliations and memberships
ResearchResearch interests
My research focuses on how exercise can enhance health, particularly in healthy ageing and managing long-term conditions. I have a specific interest in how physical activity supports cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. My work also explores the impact of exercise and ageing on injury, joint health, and serum biomarkers. Current projects include investigating high-intensity exercise for men with metastatic cancer (INTERVAL study) and examining joint health and injury in ultra-endurance athletes. I also have a strong interest in authentic learning approaches in higher education.
Research interests
My research focuses on how exercise can enhance health, particularly in healthy ageing and managing long-term conditions. I have a specific interest in how physical activity supports cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. My work also explores the impact of exercise and ageing on injury, joint health, and serum biomarkers. Current projects include investigating high-intensity exercise for men with metastatic cancer (INTERVAL study) and examining joint health and injury in ultra-endurance athletes. I also have a strong interest in authentic learning approaches in higher education.
Teaching
Together with colleagues from the School of Biosciences and Medicine, I teach on the BSc Sport and Exercise Science programme.
I currently lead the year-long 30-credit module BMS1063: Exercise for Health and Fitness, which introduces students to the fundamentals of human anatomy alongside the principles of exercise, health, and fitness. This module provides a foundation in the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system and explores how exercise can be used to promote health, prevent disease, and improve physical fitness.
I also contribute to the year-long 30-credit module BMS2084: Performance Physiology and Training, which integrates advanced exercise physiology, biochemistry, and applied performance training. This module examines how the body responds and adapts to acute and chronic exercise, from cellular and molecular mechanisms to whole-body outcomes, and applies this knowledge to training strategies, performance assessment, and athlete development.
In addition, I contribute to the final-year module Exercise Referral and Prescription, which focuses on the use of exercise as an intervention for individuals with long-term health conditions. This module equips students with the knowledge and skills required to design and deliver safe and effective exercise programmes in clinical and health-related settings.
In addition, I coordinate the CIMSPA professional qualifications embedded within the Sport and Exercise Science programme, supporting students in gaining professional, industry-recognised certifications alongside their academic learning.
Publications
Highlights
Roberts, H. M., Law, R. J. and Thom, J. M. (2019) ‘The time course and mechanisms of change in biomarkers of joint metabolism in response to acute exercise and chronic training in physiologic and pathological conditions’, European Journal of Applied Physiology. Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 4(0123456789). DOI: 10.1007/s00421-019-04232-4