Physiology, Exercise and Nutrition (PENRG)

Our work

Our research spans the spectrum from healthy active individuals to clinical populations across all sections of the lifespan. The facilities and expertise within the team allow us to address fundamental and applied research questions at the cellular/molecular level using cell culture models through to molecular and enzymatic analysis of tissue samples obtained using tissue biopsy techniques, or genetic and epigenetic analyses from tissue or blood samples, as well as whole body human physiological measurements of cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and metabolic function using a variety of techniques. The work of the group is centred on two key areas:

  1. Developing a greater understanding of muscle physiology and function in health and disease throughout the life course.

  2. Developing a greater understanding of the impact of nutrition and exercise on health and sport performance.

Our team

Dr Stuart Galloway

Research focuses on regulation of fluid balance and on the impact of nutritional and exercise stimuli on carbohydrate and fat metabolism in human skeletal muscle.

Dr Naomi Brooks 

Research investigates physical activity and health, skeletal muscle physiology including satellite cells (muscle stem cells) in conditions of muscle atrophy, and research capacity building in South Africa.

Dr Jenni Connelly

Research focuses on using physical activity to prevent, manage or cure health conditions.

Dr Thomas Di Virgilio

Research studies neuromuscular control, brain-to-muscle pathways, concussion and sub-concussion.

Dr Angus Hunter

Research focuses on neuromuscular control in clinical and athletic populations.

Dr Lewis MacGregor

Research explores neuromuscular physiology and motor control across the lifespan, with particular focus on older adults and on athletic preparation and performance.

Dr Colin Moran (Director of Laboratories and Impact Champion)

Research focusses on how genetics and epigenetics interact with lifestyle choices and gender in elite athleticism and metabolic health. Additional research on physical activity in school children.

Dr Nidia Rodriguez-Sanchez

Research focusses on hydration, nutrition for health and athletic performance, metabolism, body composition, physical activity and exercise.

Dr Niels Vollaard

Research is interested in the health benefits of exercise in general and of the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIT) in particular.

More information

We have extensive research facilities available to the group and the team is supported by two technical staff, one with expertise in analytical chemistry (Gillian Dreczkowski), and one with measurement science and data processing (Chris Grigson). Our group currently has two research assistants and twenty postgraduate research students (MPhil/PhD). Our Health and Safety documentation can be viewed here.

Our Authorship Determination process can be viewed here.

PhD students

Milena Banic
Daniel Robert Paval
Ilaria Pina
Livia-Mari Lember
Julie Johnson
Michail Ntikas
Niels Bootsma
Paola Rodriguez-Giustiniani
Ragul Selvamoorthy
Ross Chesham
James Dugdale (postdoc)
Kirstin MacGregor

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Contact the group lead

Stuart Galloway