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Centre for Improvement of Health and Wellbeing

Centre for Improvement of Health and Wellbeing

Welcome to the Centre for Improvement of Health and Wellbeing (CIHW).

CIHW brings together a wide range of multidisciplinary researchers, especially in the fields of psychology, sport and physical activity, health, and social care. Our centre is dedicated to applied, impactful research, which benefits industry and the local and regional communities.

Featured Project

The role of the human-horse relationship on performance and welfare outcomes in equestrian sport and activities.

Lauren Tufton’s highly original and potentially very significant research aims to extend our understanding of the human-horse relationship for improved performances in equestrian sport and also for the wellbeing of the horse. The majority of existing literature in equitation science focuses on learning theory and a behavioural approach to working with horses, whereas Lauren’s research explores the influence of all of the relational constructs (feelings, thoughts, and behaviours), which underpin our interactions with the horse. Lauren has explored how elite riders understand their relationships with the horse and the importance that they place on it and she is now researching the coach’s role in developing human-horse relationships, aiming to provide a working framework for use in equestrian sport.

profile of a horse photographed by Lauren Tufton

Publications relating the project:

Tufton, L. R., & Jowett, S. (2021). The elusive “feel”: exploring the quality of the rider–horse relationship. Anthrozoös, 34(2), 233-250.

Tufton, L. R., Kentzer, N., & Kingsley, B. E. (2023). The Human–Horse Relationship: Human Direct and Meta Perceptions of Its Importance for Performance and Welfare in Equestrian Sport. Anthrozoös, 1-18.

For more information about this project, please contact Lauren Tufton (lauren.tufton@bnu.ac.uk). 

Research Groups

The Centre for Improvement of Health and Wellbeing (CIHW) is comprised of four primary research groups whose remit is to develop a sustainable thread of impactful research, which is driven by the end-user to provide real-world benefits for industry and the community. Click on the links for more information about each research group, including their members, contact details, current and past projects, and list of research outputs.

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Centre for Positive Psychology
Find out more
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Drug and Alcohol Research Group
Find out more
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Sports Coaching and Performance Research Group
Find out more
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Women in Sport Research Group
Find out more
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Neurodiversity Research Group
Find out more
Nursing and Midwifery simulation suites
Clinical Healthcare Practice Research Group
Find out more

PhD Opportunities

CIHW welcomes applications from PhD candidates with an interest in carrying out original research, which reflects the mission and values of any of its Research Groups. Fee waivers or Vice Chancellor’s Studentships may be available for exceptional projects that have the potential to enhance the reputation of CIHW and its Research Groups and to make significant contributions to industry or the community.

For more information about postgraduate study at BNU, including the Vice Chancellor’s Studentships and the application process, visit our Graduate School page.

Member List
A head and shoulders shot of a smiling Maria Ansbro who is wearing a black coat with the BNU land yard around her neck whilst looking directly into the camera
Dr Maria Ansbro
  • Senior Lecturer
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Dr David Black
  • Lecturer
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Dr Anne Chappell
  • Senior Lecturer
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Dr Ben Clayton
  • Associate Professor
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Dr George Clerk
  • Lecturer
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Rich Collins
  • Senior Lecturer
A head and shoulders shot of a smiling Genevieve Cseh wearing glasses
Dr Genevieve Cseh
  • Senior Lecturer
  • Course Co-Leader for MSc Applied Positive Psychology
Head and shoulders shot of a smiling Yetunde Diaro stood face on and looking directly into the camera
Dr Yetunde Dairo
  • Associate Professor
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Gemma Dunn
  • Lecturer
A head and shoulders shot of a smiling Dearbhla Gallagher wearing a white top looking directly into the camera
Dr Dearbhla Gallagher
  • Associate Professor Education and Professional Practice
  • School Director of Education for Human and Social Sciences
  • Course Leader
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Jade Hewitt
  • Lecturer
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Dr Mark Homer
  • Senior Lecturer
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Dr Fiona McCormack
  • Associate Professor
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Professor Paul Morgan
  • Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education)
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Jonpaul Nevin
  • Senior Lecturer
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Alison Pearce
  • Lecturer
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Susan Perryman
  • Senior Lecturer
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Chris Sallans
  • Senior Lecturer
A head shot of a smiling Ceri Sims who is blonde and is looking directly into the camera whilst stood face on
Dr Ceri Sims
  • Associate Professor
  • Course Co-Leader for MSc Applied Positive Psychology
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Dr Matthew Smith
  • Associate Professor
  • Course Leader for MSc Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education
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Lauren Tufton
  • Senior Lecturer
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Dr Urszula Wolski
  • Associate Lecturer
  • Senior Research Assistant
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Phil Woodbridge
  • Technician
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Dr Piers Worth
  • Visiting Professor

Contact Us

For more information about the Centre for Improvement of Health and Wellbeing, please contact Dr Ben Clayton (ben.clayton@bnu.ac.uk).