Role
Simon is Professor of Physical Activity and Health, in the Department of Sport Science at Nottingham Trent University.
Prof. Cooper is Head of the Children and Young People Research Theme, within the SHAPE Research Centre. His research focuses primarily on the effects of physical activity on cognitive function, academic outcomes and health in young people, alongside more broad research interests examining the psychophysiology of sport and physical activity and injury and illness surveillance in elite sport.
Prof. Cooper is also Chair of the Human Invasive Ethics Committee at Nottingham Trent University.
Career overview
Simon completed a BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (2008) and PhD (2011) at Loughborough University, before joining NTU as a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Physiology in 2011. Simon was subsequently promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2016, Associate Professor in 2019 and Professor in 2023.
Research areas
Prof Cooper is a member of the Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre. His research interests include:
- The factors affecting cognitive function in young people, with a focus on the role of physical activity. Work is continuing to examine the optimum modality, intensity and duration of exercise to optimise cognition in young people; particularly young people living with socioeconomic disadvantage. Work also explores the impact of physical activity on academic outcomes.
- Examining the effects of physical activity in young people with neurodevelopmental conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- The effects of physical activity on cardiometabolic health in young people
- Exercise in the heat and neuromuscular and cognitive function
- The reciprocal relationship between self-control and physical activity/sporting performance
- Injury and illness surveillance and monitoring in elite sport
Current PhD students under supervision as Director of Studies include:
- Luke Gilbert: Evaluating the role of Physical Education in enhancing cognitive function and health in young people
- Emma May: Using the power of physical activity to attenuate inequalities in young people living with socioeconomic disadvantage
Opportunities to carry out postgraduate research towards an MPhil / PhD are available in the areas identified above. Further information may be obtained from the NTU Doctoral School.
External activity
Prof. Cooper also holds the position of Visiting Professor in the Department of Health and Physical Education at The Education University of Hong Kong.
Reviewer activity:
Prof. Cooper has reviewed for a wide range of sport science (and related) journals, spanning his research interests. Dr Cooper has also acted as a grant reviewer for the British Heart Foundation, UKRI (Medical Research Council), The Waterloo Foundation and DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft).
Other external activity:
Prof. Cooper has acted as a consultant for a number of external organisations, including BBC Supermovers. Prof. Cooper is also a member of The Daily Mile Research Advisory Group and Nottingham City Council Eating and Moving for Good Health steering group. Prof. Cooper also regularly contributes to the Youth Sport Trust research insight events.
Consultancy:
Prof. Cooper is keen to combine his expertise and experiences in sport science with his passion for cricket, particularly cricket officiating. Any opportunities to work in this domain are very welcome.
Professional affiliations:
- American College of Sports Medicine
- British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES)
- European College of Sport Sciences (ECSS)
Sponsors and collaborators
Prof. Cooper has collaborated with, and continues to work alongside, a number of external organisations, including on funded projects. Some examples of collaborating organisations and funding bodies include:
- Rosetrees Trust
- Stoneygate Trust
- Sport England
- Youth Sport Trust
- The Waterloo Foundation
- Education Endowment Foundation
- The Football Association (FA)
- The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre
- Nottingham City Council Eating and Moving for Good Health steering group
- Nottingham City Care Partnerships / Small Steps Big Change (SSBC)
- The Daily Mile Foundation
Publications
For a full list of publication, please click here.
Press expertise
- Physical activity, cognitive function and academic outcomes in young people
