Inspiration and Insight - high profile speakers confirmed for 2026 Conference

The Chartered Association of Sports and Exercise Science (CASES) is delighted to announce its impressive line-up of keynote speakers for the highly anticipated 2026 Conference including Paralympic stars Dame Sarah Storey DBE and Gregg Stevenson MBE.

The conference takes place on Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 June 2026 at Manchester Metropolitan University and brings together the CASES Annual Conference and Student Conference into one flagship event.

The two-day event will be an exploration, education and celebration of evidence-based science into practice across all levels and stages of the sport and exercise science profession, from Students to Fellows.

With an outstanding programme already confirmed, delegates are encouraged to register early to take advantage of the early bird rate, available until Monday 13 April 2026.

Opening Keynotes: Exercise, prevention and rehabilitation

The conference will open with a powerful keynote session titled “Exercise Referral Programmes in an Era of Pivot to Prevention and Rehabilitation”, focusing on the role of physical activity referral, current evidence, and critical gaps in knowledge.

The opening keynote speakers include:

• Professor Larissa Davies, Professor of Applied Sports Economics at Manchester Metropolitan University, who will present on the social return on investment of physical activity, offering a compelling economic perspective on prevention-focused health strategies

• Professor Richard Bracken, Senior Academic in Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry and Vice-Chair of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes Exercise and Physical Activity Study Group, who will explore translating evidence to integrate physical activity into diabetes care

• Professor Patrick Doherty, Chair of Cardiovascular Health and Director of the National Audit of Cardiac Rehabilitation, who will address barriers and facilitators to physical activity, drawing on his extensive research and policy-shaping experience in cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation
  

Together, these speakers will open a conference that promises to bridge policy, clinical practice and applied sport and exercise science, providing something for all stages of career.

Celebrating excellence in the field

Day one will also feature a special guest presentation from Professor Stuart Biddle HonFCASES, as he receives the 2025 CASES Medal of Achievement. Professor Biddle is internationally recognised for his influential research in physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sport and exercise psychology, as well as his leadership in shaping national and international physical activity guidelines.

His contribution highlights CASES’ ongoing commitment to recognising outstanding impact across research and practice.

Closing Keynotes: High-performance mindsets from elite sport with Paralympic legends Dame Sarah Storey DBE and Gregg Stevenson MBE

The conference will close with an inspirational keynote session titled “Insights from Elite Sport and High-Performance Cultures: High Performance Mindsets”. This session will feature Dame Sarah Storey DBE and Gregg Stevenson MBE, offering unique perspectives from the very highest levels of Paralympic sport.

Dame Sarah Storey, Britain’s most successful female Paralympian of all time, will reflect on sustaining world-class performance over a career spanning eight Paralympic Games, while Gregg Stevenson, Paralympic gold medallist at Paris 2024 and NHS Veteran Lived Experience Lead, will share his powerful journey of resilience, mindset and recovery following life-changing injury.

Their insights will be complemented by discussion on how high-performance cultures can be translated beyond elite sport into academic and professional environments.

A comprehensive two-day programme

Across the two days, delegates can expect:

• World-leading keynote lectures, workshops and symposia

• Oral and poster presentations showcasing cutting-edge research

• Networking opportunities with researchers, practitioners and students

• Five CASES CPD credits per day

• Live practical sessions, new research and practice awards, and a Wednesday evening social event.

In addition, pre-conference satellite sessions will take place on Tuesday 2 June, alongside an evening public lecture delivered by Dr Tiago Pecanha, Senior Lecturer in Human Cardiovascular Physiology at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Register early and save

Early bird delegate registration and abstract submissions are now open. Booking before Monday 13 April 2026 offers the best value while securing a place at one of the key events in the sport and exercise science calendar.

With an exceptional keynote line-up and a programme designed to inspire, challenge and connect the CASES community, the 2026 Conference promises to be an unmissable event.

For full details and to book your place visit the dedicated Conference website.