Welcome

Hosted by Loughborough University, the Women in Sport and Exercise Academic Network Annual Conference 2026 brings together researchers, practitioners, and industry for a two-day conference, 14 to 15 July 2026.

Join us for two inspiring days built around the call to Strike with Purpose: Empowering Women’s Health & Performance through Insight and Innovation. WiSEAN 2026 is a moment to showcase your work, forge new connections, and help drive the network’s collective impact.

Whether you advance theory, shape policy, design products, or deliver programmes, WiSEAN 2026 gives you a platform to share insights, challenge assumptions, and co-create solutions for a more equitable and dynamic sport ecosystem. Beyond the conference, WiSEAN 2026 champions these solutions across communities and society.

This year’s programme features keynote spotlight speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. All the activities are designed to spark progress, amplify innovation, and strengthen inclusion. It builds on Loughborough University’s Summer of Women’s Sport in 2025 where we curated a number of public lectures, events, and podcasts. Check-out more here to listen and engage with the types of topics you will hear at WiSEAN 2026.

About Loughborough University

The conference will be hosted at the Loughborough University campus in Loughborough, UK. Our superb campus is based in the heart of England and is the University’s most glorious asset. With world-class facilities and plenty of green open space, it has everything our students, staff, and visitors need on site.

Loughborough University is home to the Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub, situated on a campus alongside multiple national sports teams, governing bodies, practitioner groups, and related charitable and business partners. We have been ranked the number one university in the world for sport-related subjects for 9 consecutive years (QS World Rankings by Subject) and have been the overall champions of British Universities and Colleges Sport for 44 consecutive years. Join us as we celebrate 50 years of sport and exercise science at Loughborough University, offering a rich combination of academic and applied expertise, facilities, and a commitment to advancing our discipline.

Loughborough University is also proudly the site of the famous Loughborough Lightning franchise, who bring world class female sport to campus with its five sports all competing at the highest level. With opportunities for athletes to represent the Lightning franchise is cycling, football, netball, rugby union, and wheelchair basketball.

A huge thank you to everyone at Loughborough who is helping bring to life a marvellous two-day event in July, a few people to flag who have been part of our WiSEAN 2026 organising committee. Come July, be ready to strike with purpose!