Animalweb Expert Professor Roberta Blake will deliver her inaugural lecture next month, exploring the science behind performance, injury prevention and welfare in animal athletes.
Taking place on Tuesday 28 April 2026 at Anglia Ruskin University’s Writtle campus, the lecture, titled Stronger, Safer, Faster: Biomechanics, Regenerative Medicine, and the Science of Performance in Animal Athletes, will bring together cutting-edge research and real-world application.
Exploring performance, welfare and innovation
The lecture will examine how advances in biomechanics, rehabilitation and regenerative therapies are transforming the way we understand animal performance, from racehorses to agility dogs.
Drawing on research spanning cell therapies, movement analysis and training practices, Professor Blake will highlight how science is helping to:
- Improve performance outcomes
- Reduce injury risk
- Inform safer training and equipment design
- Enhance long-term animal welfare
Her work focuses on the relationship between movement, training and environment, offering important insights for riders, trainers, vets and anyone involved in managing animal athletes.
A career dedicated to animal performance science
Professor Blake is based at the Writtle School of Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Sciences and brings more than 20 years of experience across clinical practice, research and academia in both the UK and Brazil.
Her inaugural lecture will also reflect on her professional journey, alongside key findings from her research into musculoskeletal injury, equitation science and sports medicine.
Professor Blake, a veterinary surgeon and leading researcher in biomechanics and regenerative medicine, has worked closely with Dr David Marlin on a number of projects over the years and is a valued Animalweb Expert, contributing to evidence-led discussions around performance and welfare.
Event details
The lecture will take place in person at the Northumberland Lecture Theatre, Lordship Campus, Chelmsford, from 6pm to 7:30pm, followed by a drinks reception.
A virtual attendance option is also available for those unable to attend in person.
To attend for FREE on the evening, please click here to find out more.
