Dr Nicholas Ripley is a Lecturer of Sport Science and Strength and Conditioning at the University of Salford and current admissions tutor for the BSc (Hons) Sport Science programme. Nicholas has an extensive applied experience across a range of sports, working as a strength and conditioning and head of performance numerous professional and semi-professional and international sports teams and individuals. Dr Ripley has authored/co-authored a number of peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters and has presented at several international and national conferences.
Nicholas is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach in which he has recertified with Distinction (CSCS*D) and a Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC). Nicholas is also a member of the executive council of the NSCA Lacrosse Special Interest Group. Nicholas is current combat sport athlete, competing in grappling-based sports (including Judo) and has represented Great Britain at the 2019 World Championships for Kurash.
Nicholas's research interests include all areas of strength and conditioning. More specifically he is interested in training for elite sport performance, using performance monitoring tools and exercise programming to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Can you tell us about the conference(s)/events(s) that you’re involved in?
Following a successful inaugural conference in 2019, the second edition of the Salford Strength and Conditioning Symposium will showcase the excellent and extensive research from the sport and exercise staff at the University of Salford and their collaborators. Much of this research relates to the development and assessment of strength and power.
What benefits did/does the conference bring to your university, your academic community and you personally?
The conference will help to promote the applied research findings and enhance the impact of research into strength and conditioning, not only for local practitioners, but globally. As well as welcoming the community to Salford, we will ensure that the content is live streamed to access as wide an audience as possible.
What strengths does The University of Salford have in your field?
The sport and exercise and strength and conditioning research from the University of Salford, is considered to be world leading, due to its applied nature and scientific rigour.
The top-class facilities at the University of Salford contain an extensive range of biomechanical and physiological equipment allowing research staff and students to work together in an innovative environment that reflects that of elite sports organisations.
Human performance innovations researched at The University of Salford are now applied in a multitude of sports around the world, and in the military. Our labs continue to play a central role in training our students, creating graduates with real worlds skills who apply their expertise at professional organisations such as British Cycling, the English Institute of
Sports, Salford City FC, Manchester City Football Club, Manchester United Football Club, Liverpool Football Club, Sales Sharks RFI and numerous RFL clubs.
What do you consider to be Greater Manchester and Salford’s strengths as a conference destination?
The locality of everything that is needed to host any conference type event makes Manchester and Salford an ideal destination. With great links for travel and fantastic facilities that could be used to host any event, moreover with the excellent culture and social facilities located within and around Manchester and Salford it is not to be missed.
What support did you receive from the Manchester Convention Bureau and/or the University of Salford’s conference team?
The University of Salford’s conference team have been indispensable in the organisation of the Salford Strength and Conditioning Symposium. They are assisting in all aspects of the event preparation and delivery.
I’m delighted to be part of the Manchester Mbassador Programme and I’ll be working closely with the Manchester Convention Bureau to attract future conferences to Greater Manchester in the future.
