Fitness specialist to create European hub at new Sheffield research and innovation centre

Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) has announced a new ‘major’ collaboration ahead of its launch this week.

The AWRC, which officially opens tomorrow (January 24), has announced that European firm GO Fit will join the scheme.

The firm, part of the Ingesport group which runs health and fitness clubs across Spain and Portugal, aims to make the AWRC the European hub of its research and innovation programme, implementing a rolling PhD programme and a series of stand-alone test-bed innovation projects.

Professor Robert Copeland, director of the AWRC, commented: “We’re delighted to be welcoming a major international company to collaborate with the AWRC, helping us to realise our ambition to be the leading physical activity research and innovation centre in the world.”

As part of the collaboration, Professor Alfonso Jimenez, the chief research and innovation officer at GO fit, will take up a fractional appointment at the AWRC supporting research and innovation activities at the facility.

In addition, Steven Ward, chief transformation officer for GO Fit, will also take on an advisory position supporting the development of the institute.

Professor Alfonso Jimenez said: “I am delighted to be joining the team at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre and marking this significant acceleration in the research and innovation programme of GO fit.

“As a Professor passionate about taking an evidence-based approach to improving health and wellbeing, it is an honour to serve on the executive committee of such a progressive and forward-thinking operator and match its ambitions and capabilities with the AWRC, which I believe will become the leading wellbeing focused academic body in the world.”