Zoe Saynor

Dr. Zoe Saynor is an Associate Professor in Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of Southampton and an honorary researcher at University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. She holds dual roles as a registered clinical exercise physiologist and retired international rugby union athlete. Her primary affiliations include the Institute for Life Sciences and the Long Term Conditions Group. She specializes in physical activity interventions for chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and kidney disease, alongside long-term athlete health research, particularly for female athletes.

Dr. Saynor’s academic journey includes a BSc in Sports Science (Bangor University), MSc in Exercise Rehabilitation (Bangor University), and PhD in Paediatric Clinical Exercise Physiology (University of Exeter). Her research explores exercise testing methodologies, chronic disease management, and elite athlete welfare through mixed-methods approaches.

Her recent publications (2024-2025) focus on clinical exercise applications in cystic fibrosis drug efficacy evaluation, digital health interventions for polycystic kidney disease, and female athlete health in collision sports like rugby. She actively contributes to policy through roles such as Chair of the Rugby Players’ Association Women’s Welfare Board.

• Teaching: Module coordinator for Year 1 Physiotherapy/Nursing programs and doctoral research supervision
• Leadership: Editorial roles at European Journal of Sport Science, Physiological Society committees
• Labs/Teams: Active Living Skin Sensing Research Group, NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre