Steph Hemmings

Steph Hemmings serves as a Lecturer at the University of Brighton's School of Education, Sport and Health, holding a part-time academic position while simultaneously working as Research and Audit Lead for the Sussex MSK Partnership and in musculoskeletal outpatient services. Her dual clinical-academic career bridges NHS practice with university research.

Her educational qualifications include:

• Pre-registration MSc in Physiotherapy (Distinction) from King's College London (2019)
• Postgraduate Certificate of Academic Practice from Queen Mary University of London (2014)
• PhD in 'Physiological Characteristics of the Elite Adolescent Athlete' from Loughborough University (2006)
• MSc in Exercise Physiology from Loughborough University (2001)
• BSc (First Class Honours) in Physical Education and Sports Science from Loughborough University (1999)

Dr Hemmings' research centers on sports and exercise medicine, with specialized focus on musculoskeletal physiotherapy, clinical reasoning methodologies, and paediatric exercise science. Her work examines vitamin D's impact on muscle strength in diverse pediatric populations and develops evidence-based care pathways for musculoskeletal conditions, emphasizing practical clinical applications and health-related fitness interventions across age groups.

Recent publications (2022-2024) reveal strong thematic concentration on musculoskeletal rehabilitation service evaluation, vitamin D supplementation trials in global schoolchild populations, and NHS innovation projects. Her methodological approach combines randomized controlled trials with real-world service evaluations, demonstrating consistent emphasis on translating research into clinical practice through decision support tools and community-based service models.

Her professional recognition includes:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

As a supervisor, she mentors research in children's physical activity, adult fitness, and First Contact Practitioner development in musculoskeletal care. Her collaborative work spans NHS partnerships and international research networks, particularly evident in the Mongolian and South African vitamin D trials. Current projects focus on strengthening community-based musculoskeletal services through innovative NHS approaches.

She actively contributes to the Public Health and Health Conditions Research Excellence Group at Brighton, maintaining strong clinical-academic integration through the Sussex MSK Partnership while leading international collaborations on pediatric exercise science and musculoskeletal service innovation.