Experts gather to celebrate life-saving physiological research in Portsmouth

Life-saving physiological research has taken centre stage at an event to celebrate the University of Portsmouth’s Extreme Environments Laboratory (EEL). 

Earlier this year the EEL became the first institute to be given the inaugural Excellence in Physiology Award from The Physiological Society (TPS), the largest network of physiologists in Europe, supporting their members to improve lives through physiological discovery.

This prestigious honour serves to commemorate the EEL’s work influencing global search, rescue and out of hospital practices and policies, as well as improving both athlete and occupational safety in extreme environments.  

To mark the accolade, a plaque was unveiled at the University’s School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science today (7 December), which is home to the Extreme Environment Laboratories.

The research group has a world-renowned reputation for its work in the areas of water safety and drowning prevention, cold injury, cryotherapy, heat exposure, altitude and space research, and the physiology, psychology and psychophysiology of extreme environments.

Co-founder of the EEL, Professor Mike Tipton MBE, said: “It is a huge honour for our work to be recognised by The Physiological Society. 

“Research has helped us understand, evaluate and enhance people's comfort, performance and survival in extreme environments around the world.

“This event has been a brilliant opportunity to showcase the impact the EEL has had since its formation at the University 25 years ago, and celebrate this significant milestone.”

Following the plaque unveiling, guests were invited to sessions led by researchers at the University and external collaborators, who gave an insight into how physiological research has enhanced sports, occupational and clinical fields, as well as our day-to-day lives. This impact has been rated as 100 per cent world leading by the UK Research Excellence Framework.

After introductory presentations by Dr Joe Costello (Head of the Extreme Environments Group), Professor David Attwell (President, TPS) and Dariel Burdass (Chief Executive, TPS),  spoke about how people can get involved with the community of physiologists. 

Associate Professor, Dr Costello, said: “It is a real privilege for our group and our lab to receive this award. Our work in the selection, preparation and protection of individuals who enter extreme environments has made a difference and this is why we are so motivated to continue this type of research.”

Professor Attwell added: “The Excellence in Physiology Award recognises the innovative, life-saving physiological research of The University of Portsmouth’s Extreme Environments Group. From transforming safety standards to enhancing international water-safety regulations, the Group’s research demonstrates how physiology can have a profound and far-reaching impact on everyday lives.”

Professor Tipton then delivered a talk on drowning prevention with Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). 

The group has paved the way for critical enhancements in international water safety. Their efforts have given rise to 'Respect the Water' and ’Float to Live’, national water safety campaigns initiated by the RNLI in 2014. 

Underpinned by EEL’s research findings, the campaign has successfully increased public understanding of the importance of floating as a primary survival behaviour in water-related emergencies and has been reproduced internationally.

EEL research has also spotlighted the health risks posed to athletes - such as cardiac arrhythmias and hypothermia from cold water immersion - as well as heat-induced impairments. The British Olympic and Paralympic teams have reaped substantial benefits from this work. 

In the occupational arena, the group's research has yielded transformative insights for workers operating under challenging conditions in sectors such as defence, emergency services, and the oil and gas industry.

More recently, experts from the group supported The Physiological Society and Faculty of Public Health in calling on Parliament to protect people from the effects of climate change by developing a heat resilience strategy.

Dr Saynor, Associate Professor in Clinical Exercise Physiology in the School of Sport, Health & Exercise Science at the University of Portsmouth, said: ”This is a well-deserved honour for the laboratory and everyone working within the EEL.

“I’ve worked closely with colleagues in The Physiological Society on some incredible projects, including the recent heat resilience strategy. 

“Working together - and across a variety of disciplines - we are able to address big global challenges. This has been the purpose of the EEL from the start, and the award further cements and celebrates our commitments.”

University experts also gave talks with guest speakers from the British Army, the UK Sports Institute, the Royal Air Force, the Jozef Stefan Institute, the Ljubljana University Medical Centre, and University College London.

They covered a range of topics related to the EEL’s research, including heat, altitude, space, occupation, and injury. There will also be presentations looking at the benefits of exposure to extreme environmental conditions for those with physical and mental health conditions.