J Simon Rofe

Dr J Simon Rofe is an Associate Professor at the University of Leeds, School of Politics and International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences. He is a world-leading expert in Sports Diplomacy and holds additional roles as Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Sport Humanities, Visiting Fellow at the Centre of Sports Law, Sports Policies and Sports Diplomacy at the University of Rijeka, Visiting Professor in Diplomacy, Cyber Security and Defense at EM Lyon Business School, and as an advisory board member for international master’s programs in Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO Chair in Sports Law.

• Associate Professor, University of Leeds
• Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Sport Humanities
• Visiting Fellow, University of Rijeka
• Visiting Professor, EM Lyon Business School
• Advisory Board, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Milan
• Advisory Panel, UNESCO Chair in Sports Law, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

Simon’s scholarship focuses on Diplomacy in its many forms, particularly Global Diplomacy, Soft Power & Public Diplomacy, Anglo-American relations, The US Embassy in London, Knowledge Diplomacy, and Sports Diplomacy. He pioneered the field of Sports Diplomacy, including the first taught module ‘Sport and Diplomacy: More than a Game’, and led Erasmus+ projects like Towards a European Sport Diplomacy Strategy. His work bridges diplomatic practice with sports ecosystems, establishing global networks like the Sport, Diplomacy, and Governance Hub.

He has held leadership roles in academic associations, including Chair of ISA’s Diplomatic Studies Section (2019-2023), Co-Chair of BISA’s Learning and Teaching Working Group (2009-2017), and Vice-Chair of the Transatlantic Studies Association (2013-2016). His expertise in digital learning includes designing the IR Model (2011) for online education, leading SOAS’s Online Learning Strategy (2018), and managing strategic responses to the pandemic in 2020-21.

• PG Diploma Academic Practice (Distinction), 2008
• PhD, University of Wales, 2005
• MA International Relations (Distinction), University of Keele, 1998
• BA Hons American Studies and International History, 1996

Simon is actively involved in sports diplomacy initiatives, serves on the Football for Peace UK Executive Steering Committee, and holds UEFA and ECB coaching qualifications. His work integrates diplomatic theory with practical knowledge exchange, and he welcomes new research students in broad interpretations of diplomacy.