Professor James Hopker

Professor James Hopker received his BSc (Hons) in Sports Rehabilitation and Sports Science from St. Mary's University College, Twickenham in 1999, and his MSc. in Sport and Exercise Science from Canterbury Christ Church University in 2003. James began his post at the University of Kent in 2004 and completed his PhD thesis on the influence of training on cycling efficiency and performance in 2009. Currently James is Professor of Sports Science and Acting Director of the Division of Natural Sciences.

James' main research interest is concerned with responses to exercise and training. Specifically, his current research is concerned with the optimization of the exercise training process and how this can be considered on an individual basis from both applied practical, and mathematical/statistical perspectives. 

He has published an extensive number of research papers on the physiological adaptations to training using both cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches.

James' other research interests are concerned with the application of performance modelling within an anti-doping context. James currently works with a number of worldwide anti-doping organisations in the application of performance modelling for athlete risk assessment within anti-doping. James also regularly provides scientific advice to athletes from amateur to professional level in cycling, triathlon, athletics and football.

James' teaching focuses on high-performance physiology, assessment and training for optimal performance and contemporary perspectives in sport research. He teaches at undergraduate and postgraduate level.