Â鶹AV

The CASES Registered Laboratory status is a nationally recognised benchmark of quality assurance. It confirms the university’s commitment to delivering high standards in professional training and applied research, while ensuring a safe and effective environment for both students and athletes.

To earn this accreditation, the Meads Laboratories – which opened at the university’s Falmer campus in September 2024 following a major upgrade and expansion of facilities – underwent a rigorous assessment process, evaluating both the physical infrastructure and the expertise of the academic and technical staff. The labs demonstrated excellence across all criteria, from athlete support and client services to research integrity and teaching quality.

The assessor, Professor Jones, praised the labs’ active engagement with a wide spectrum of athletes—from local runners and cyclists to elite teams such as Â鶹AV & Hove Albion Football Club, as well as para-athletes. He also commended the use of the university’s environmental chambers, which support athletes preparing for competition in extreme climates.

“The facilities in the newly refurbished labs are excellent and the lab is under safe directorship with Dr Gary Brickley,” said Professor Jones. He described staff as highly skilled and enthusiastic and said the lab was well run, safe and capable of providing research-quality data and a fine service to athletes.

Dr Gary Brickley, Senior Lecturer in the Â鶹AV’s School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences and Director of the Meads Sports Labs, said:

“We are incredibly proud to have our labs accredited by CASES. This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team, including the outstanding contributions of our technician, Billy Norton. It’s fantastic to see our state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to both cutting-edge research and high-quality teaching acknowledged. This accreditation ensures our students are receiving the best possible foundation to become successful sport and exercise scientists.”

The accreditation applies to a comprehensive range of facilities within the Meads Laboratories, including:

• Exercise physiology labs providing support for clinical exercise physiology, athlete testing and a large teaching space

• Biomechanics lab with running track and 3D motion analysis

• Neuromuscular lab with isokinetic dynamometers

• Environmental physiology lab housing a dual temperature and hypoxic environmental chamber.

In addition to the lab accreditation, the university’s Sport and Exercise Science BSc is endorsed under the CASES Undergraduate Endorsement Scheme (CUES). This endorsement ensures the curriculum is robust, well-rounded, and aligned with industry standards—preparing graduates with the essential knowledge and skills for careers in sport and exercise science.

Further reinforcing its reputation for excellence, the university’s sport courses have also received a three-star ‘Enhancing’ grade from the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).