Extreme Environments Research Group
The Extreme Environments Group investigates the physiological and psychological responses to adverse environments (e.g. heat, cold, and hypoxia) and the preparation and protection of those who enter such environments. This group has a world renowned reputation for their work in the areas of water safety and drowning prevention, non–freezing cold injury, cryotherapy, heat exposure, hypoxia and the physiology, psychology and psychophysiology of extreme environments.
View our extreme laboratories and facilities
We offer research and consultancy services, using our expertise in this group, as well as facilities and equipment housed in the Spinnaker Building.
This includes a biomechanics laboratory, physiology laboratory, sports development facilities and our research lab.
Our research members

Professor Mike Tipton
- Job Title Professor of Human and Applied Physiology
- Email Address Michael.Tipton@port.ac.uk
- Department School of Sport Health and Exercise Science
- Faculty Faculty of Science and Health

Dr Jo Corbett
- Job Title Associate Head (Research)
- Email Address Jo.Corbett@port.ac.uk
- Department School of Sport Health and Exercise Science
- Faculty Faculty of Science and Health
- PhD Supervisor PhD Supervisor

Dr Joseph Costello
- Job Title Interim Associate Head (Research and Innovation)
- Email Address joe.costello@port.ac.uk
- Department School of Sport Health and Exercise Science
- Faculty Faculty of Science and Health
- PhD Supervisor PhD Supervisor

Dr Heather Massey
- Job Title Senior Lecturer
- Email Address Heather.Massey@port.ac.uk
- Department School of Sport Health and Exercise Science
- Faculty Faculty of Science and Health
- PhD Supervisor PhD Supervisor

Dr Mitch Lomax
- Job Title Senior Lecturer
- Email Address Mitch.Lomax@port.ac.uk
- Department School of Sport Health and Exercise Science
- Faculty Faculty of Science and Health
- PhD Supervisor PhD Supervisor

Dr Clare Eglin
- Job Title Principal Lecturer
- Email Address Clare.Eglin@port.ac.uk
- Department School of Sport Health and Exercise Science
- Faculty Faculty of Science and Health
- PhD Supervisor PhD Supervisor

Dr Gemma Milligan
- Job Title Senior Lecturer
- Email Address ses80051@myport.ac.uk
- Department School of Sport Health and Exercise Science
- Faculty Faculty of Science and Health
- PhD Supervisor PhD Supervisor

Dr John Leach
- Job Title Visiting Senior Research Fellow
- Email Address john.leach@port.ac.uk
- Department School of Sport Health and Exercise Science
- Faculty Faculty of Science and Health
We’re seeking volunteers to take part in some of our studies. This is a great opportunity to get an insight into our work. The requirements will vary, such as fitness levels and availability to visit our laboratories.
If you have any queries about the Extreme Environments Research Group please contact our Group lead Joe Costello (joe.costello@port.ac.uk)- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), UK
- Department of Army Health and Physical Performance Research, UK - Professor Julie Greaves
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia - Professor Igor Mekjavic
- Kings College London, UK - Professor Mike Shattock and Dr James Clark
- Surf Lifesaving,UK - Dr Paddy Morgan, Associate Researcher
- The University of Electro-Communications, Japan - Professor Soichi Ando
- University College London, UK – Dr Alireza Mani
- University College London, UK - Professor Hugh Montgomery
- University of Otago, New Zealand - Professor Jim Cotter
- University of Southampton, UK - Professor Geraldine Clough