Sarah Jane Hobbs is the Director of the Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance. She has particular expertise in equine biomechanics and has developed local and international equine research collaborations since embarking on her own PhD in 2001. She leads Research and Consultancy in Equine Surfaces (RACES) for the university and was the project lead for the REF2021 impact case study on improving horse health, welfare and performance. Since 2016, she has been responsible for leading Unit of Assessment 24: Sport and Exercise Science, Leisure and Tourism. In this role, she works with staff within the unit of assessment to coordinate, assess and improve the quality of outputs and impact case studies and assists in enhancing the research environment. She also supervises doctoral students and teaches sports biomechanics at the undergraduate level.