Vicky Tolfrey International Faculty

Biography

Vicky Tolfrey is the Director of the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport (PHC) at Loughborough University in the UK and a Professor of Applied Disability Sport whose research focusses on the ergonomics of wheeled mobility (physical activity to high performance sport), with expertise in Para sport physiology. Her earliest contributions to the field were investigations that formed part of her PhD ‘Pushing economy and wheelchair propulsion technique of wheelchair racers’. Since joining Loughborough University in 2007, a significant amount of her research exemplifies a collaborative model, leading the PHC working with colleagues within the School of Sport Exercise and Health Sciences (SSEHS) and at other institutions. She has created a vibrant group of young academics and coordinated a highly motivated group of 20+ (staff/ post-doctorate, Graduate students), and overseas research opportunities (e.g., in Holland, Canada, USA and Japan). As a result of this effort the Peter Harrison Foundation Trustees’ have provided funding totalling ~£3M (GBP). Working with others who are trained in disciplines related to, yet distinct from her own has proven to be a highly successful means in accomplishing interdisciplinary research projects, further income totalling ~£2M which has resulted in a significant level of scholarly output (>180 research publications/book chapters). She works as a practitioner with Para sports and has travelled to the Paralympics providing sports science support, in 2017 she received the International Paralympic Committee Paralympic Scientific Award in recognition of her work.