A unique £10m centre for sport and exercise medicine in the East Midlands was announced by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley as part of Olympic-year plans. It consolidates research expertise across a consortium of six partners, with a base at Loughborough University.

One of three UK hubs, it helps form the first National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine and builds on Nottingham’s research expertise in sports medicine, exercise physiology, muscle metabolism, nutrition and allied areas.

The base will research sports and exercise injuries and conditions associated with lack of exercise. It will be involved in the development of exercise and physical activity as part of the treatment of chronic diseases; and there will be a focus on exercise and physical activity in relation to mental health, weight management and obesity. Its work will be shared with the NHS to deliver real benefits to the UK population and generate a legacy.

Leading UK sports doctor Prof Mark Batt, from Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and The University of Nottingham, said: “The announcement of £30m funding for a National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine is a clear London 2012 legacy pledge, and continues the Government’s support given to this emerging specialty.”

Experts from Nottingham include Prof Batt, a Consultant in Sport and Exercise Medicine at The Centre for Sports Medicine, President of the Faculty of Sport and Exercise medicine, physician for the players at Wimbledon and a volunteer at the London 2012 Olympic Games; Ian Macdonald, Professor of Metabolic Physiology in the School of Biomedical Sciences; Prof Patrick Callaghan from the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Physiotherapy; as well as many other researchers and clinicians from the University and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.