It was fantastic to welcome Dr Meghan Bentley, Research Fellow in Sport Nutrition at Leeds Beckett University, to deliver an engaging and thought-provoking talk for the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences’ Performance Enhancement Special Interest Group (SIG). The session was attended by both SIG staff and postgraduate students, creating a vibrant environment for discussion and reflection.
Meghan’s presentation, “Reflections and Findings from a Researcher-Practitioner Applying Behavioural Science in Sport Nutrition,” explored how behavioural science principles can enhance applied practice and improve athlete wellbeing and performance, with a particular focus on nutrition which is her key area of research expertise.
Drawing on her extensive applied experience and academic research at Leeds Beckett University, Meghan offered valuable insights into the realities of translating research into practice. A central theme of her talk was the importance of recognising how research philosophy shapes our perspective, influencing the problems we notice, the questions we ask, and the methods we choose to use. She reflected on how her own philosophical approach underpins both her research and her applied work, highlighting the value of alignment between belief, inquiry, and practice.
Engaging throughout and full of practical insight, Meghan’s key take-home messages encouraged attendees to reflect on their own approaches. She emphasised the need to consider the research philosophy that guides one’s work, to identify personal values and professional identity when developing interventions, to provide behaviourally anchored guidance, and to take time to understand behaviour through careful analysis.
We would like to thank Meghan once again for an inspiring and deeply reflective session that reminded all attendees of the importance of philosophy, values, and behavioural insight in driving impactful and meaningful performance enhancement practice.
L.Anderson.4@bham.ac.uk