Professor Tim Cable isn't just a leading expert in sport science; he's a driving force behind Manchester's growing prominence as a leading global destination. As a Conference Mbassador, he works tirelessly to attract world-class events that have a significant impact on the city's economy and global recognition. We spoke with him about his experience of bidding for conferences, including a major international congress.
Can you start by telling us a bit about your background?
"My background is in sport and exercise science, with a focus on cardiovascular physiology, thermoregulation, aging, and human performance. I completed my PhD at the University of Western Australia and then built my career in academic leadership. I've led sport and exercise science programs at several prominent institutions, including Liverpool John Moores University, where I built a world-leading team, the University of Birmingham, where I was Head of the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, and now Manchester Metropolitan University, where I'm the Director of the Institute of Sport. I also spent some time leading an integrated sports science programme at the Aspire Academy in Qatar, working with elite youth athletes. Throughout my career, I've been actively involved in research, publishing over 230 papers and mentoring over 50 PhD students. I've also been fortunate to secure over £9 million in research funding. A particularly rewarding experience was serving as President of the European College of Sport Science, an organisation I've been engaged with for many years."
Can you tell us about the conference that you’re hosting in Manchester?
“I'm thrilled to say that Manchester has won its bid to host the European College of Sport Science (ECSS) Congress in 2027! This is a major win for the city, and we're incredibly excited to welcome the world's leading sport scientists to Manchester Central, the venue for the event. The ECSS is the largest and most respected multidisciplinary sport science organisation in Europe, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and academics from all over the globe. Their annual congress is the premier event in the field, a chance for everyone to share the latest research, discuss emerging trends, and network with colleagues. For Manchester to host this event is a testament to the city's growing reputation in sport and exercise science. It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase our own expertise, attract leading researchers to the city, and boost Manchester's profile on the international stage. The 2027 congress will undoubtedly be a landmark event, driving innovation in sport science and having a lasting impact on the field.”
You’re clearly passionate about the value of face-to-face scientific meetings. What strengths does the Institute of Sport have, and what role do conferences play in your long-term vision?
“Manchester Met has been a pioneer in the world of Sport and Exercise Science since 1975, when it was one of the first institutions in the UK to launch academic programmes in Sport Science. Since this time, the University has gone from strength to strength performing world leading research in the advancement of human performance and importantly determining the many physical, psychological, and social benefits of engaging in an active lifestyle for health and wellbeing. The critical mass that we have in these areas has allowed us to establish the Institute of Sport, which crosscuts all four faculties of the University to bring new and interdisciplinary approaches to study how to optimise performance and enhance health.
Hosting this major conference will further build the international reach and reputation of the Institute of Sport at Manchester Met. It will allow us to showcase our areas of world leading research strength and give us the opportunity to invite international experts to present at the conference but also to become international collaborators in future research in sport, health and wellbeing. Working with key local partners, such as McrActive and GM Moving, we hope to shine a light on all of the excellent work that these agencies undertake in promoting physical activity for health and we also plan to use the congress as a vehicle for public engagement activities. For me personally, having been a previous president of ECSS, it is a long-held ambition to bring this prestigious congress to our place of Manchester.
For the past three years, we've successfully hosted the International Sport Exercise Nutrition Conference (ISENC) at Manchester Metropolitan University's Institute of Sport, attracting 350 global experts and delegates to Manchester. Building on this success, we recently hosted the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Student Congress in April 2024, and are set to host the main BASES conference in June 2026. In collaboration with the Manchester Convention Bureau and our Manchester Metropolitan University conferences and events team, we are developing a strategic long-term calendar of events to further highlight our expertise and solidify Manchester's position as a hub for sport and exercise science.”
What do you consider to be Manchester’s strengths as a conference destination?
“Having hosted major conferences across Europe during my time as President of ECSS, the benefits of Manchester as a conference destination are obvious to me. These relate to the extreme ease of international travel pathways into the city, and once in the city the density of living and social network opportunities that are very close to congress venues. The vibrancy and diversity of the city is extremely attractive, as is the range of cultural and visitor attractions that are available to delegates either within Manchester or on its doorstep.”
What support did you receive from the Manchester Convention Bureau and what does being an Mbassador mean to you?
“The award of ECSS 2027 to us as an Institution and destination would not have been possible without the team at Manchester Convention Bureau. They were extremely important at all stages of the bidding process and their energy and enthusiasm for the project was much appreciated. Our bid submission, pitch and subsequent site inspection were all incredibly thorough, demonstrating Manchester’s collaborative approach with a large range of stakeholders. It’s an honour to act as an Mbassador for Manchester and work with such a professional organisation in order to attract business into this great city.”
The Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport is a world-class institute to champion everything that sport can do – from strengthening communities and building a healthier society, to inspiring the next generation and pushing the limits of human performance. Image courtesy of MMU
