The Great Outdoors: Is exercise performance enhanced in natural environments?

Exposure to natural environments such as rivers is known to boost human health. But little is understood about exactly what aspects of human biology (such as endurance, strength, immunity, cognition) benefit. We need a better understanding of the mechanisms linking environmental attributes to positive physiological and psychological outcomes. Preliminary data indicate that even during exercise, physiological measures such as heart rate and oxygen consumption are lower in natural environments than urban environments. Through field experiments, this PhD project will further explore the effects of riverine surroundings on human biology during states of rest and activity, with implications for both athletic performance and general health. This project is part of the Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral Programme https://www.roehampton.ac.uk/connected-waters/

Supervisors: Lewis Halsey and Lauren Stewart

Funding: full-time PhD scholarship in the School of Life & Health Sciences for one UK candidate, covering a maintenance grant matching the UKRI stipend (£23, 805 for 2026/27) and UK tuition fees for 4 years.

Project start: September 2026

Application deadline: May 31st 2026

How to apply: See instructions on https://www.roehampton.ac.uk/connected-waters/