Ray Bobrownicki

Dr. Ray Bobrownicki is a Lecturer in Sport Psychology and Co-Programme Director of the BSc (Hons) Applied Sport Science at the University of Edinburgh's Moray House School of Education and Sport. He holds affiliations with the Institute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences (ISPEHS) and the Human Performance Science Research Group. As a chartered psychologist (BPS) and licensed athletics coach, his work bridges academic research and real-world sport practice.

• Educations:
  • PhD (Sport Psychology and Coaching), University of Edinburgh
  • MSc (Performance Psychology), University of Edinburgh
  • AB (Psychology), Brown University
  • PGCert (Academic Practice), University of the West of Scotland

His research focuses on optimizing coaching instruction, motor learning, and performance under pressure. He explores how verbal instructions, analogies, and technology (e.g., VR) influence skill acquisition and athlete motivation. Secondary interests include the societal impacts of sporting policies on athlete welfare and identity. Recent work critiques traditional sport science methodologies and advocates for interdisciplinary, applied research.

His publications span 2015–2025, emphasizing critical analysis of coaching practices, motor learning mechanisms, and systemic issues in sport. Key themes include instructional design, constraints-led approaches, and translational research validity.

• Awards:
  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
  • Chartered Psychologist (British Psychological Society)
  • Associate Fellow (British Psychological Society)

Teaching responsibilities include programme leadership for BSc Applied Sport Science and contributions to MSc Performance Psychology modules. He currently supervises PhD student Tongyu Liu on esports support taxonomies and welcomes inquiries on coaching instruction, performance psychology, and athlete policy impacts.

Dr. Bobrownicki’s career integrates athletic experience (Commonwealth Games finalist, high jumper) with coaching expertise (e.g., mentoring record-breaking athletes) to inform evidence-based practice in sport science.