Larissa E Davies

Dr Larissa E Davies is a Reader in Sport Management at Sheffield Hallam University, affiliated with the Sport Industry Research Group (SIRG) within the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences. She holds a PhD in sports economics and a BSc in Geography from the University of Sheffield. Her academic career includes prior roles as a Senior Lecturer and Reader in the Academy of Sport and Physical Activity.

Dr Davies specializes in measuring the societal and economic impact of sport using Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis. Her research spans three core areas: social impact evaluation, sports economics, and sport-related urban regeneration. Key projects include national and international studies for organizations like UEFA, Sport England, and the DCMS. She has contributed to high-profile initiatives such as the London 2012 Olympics legacy analysis and the evaluation of major events' socio-economic effects.

Her teaching spans sport management, economics, and geography at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Notable modules include Research Methods in Sport and Physical Activity, Global Economics of Sport, and Urban Regeneration strategies.

Dr Davies has supervised doctoral students focusing on sport impact topics, including parasport development pathways and crime reduction through sport. She serves as REF coordinator for Unit 24 and holds editorial roles in journals like European Sport Management Quarterly. Her work has been featured in media outlets such as The Economist and Sport Management, highlighting contributions to policy and practice.