About the Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences

The Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences (ENHS), based within the School for Policy Studies in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences at the University of Bristol, is an internationally recognised Centre for research and teaching in physical activity, nutrition and public health.

The Centre has a long-standing reputation for investigating how diet and physical activity influence health across the life course. Our work combines theoretical and methodological innovation with an applied focus on developing and evaluating complex interventions to promote health, in both community and clinical settings. Its work also supports research-led teaching.

Find out about our MSc in Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Public Health.

The results of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) confirm the Centre's position as one of the top centres of research excellence within the field of physical activity, nutrition and health research.

Our research

Research within ENHS examines the biomedical, psychological, social and environmental factors that shape dietary and physical activity behaviours.

Key areas include understanding dietary and physical activity patterns that promote health, exploring eating and activity behaviours across cultures and life stages, and developing interventions to encourage healthier behaviours and environments. Much of this work is supported by major national and international funders, including the UK Department of Health and Social Care, the Medical Research Council, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the Economic and Social Research Council, the British Heart Foundation, and the European Union. 

Collaboration

Collaboration is central to the centre’s research activity. ENHS works closely with academics, community programme leaders, clinicians, policymakers and practitioners in the UK and internationally, and maintains strong partnerships across the University of Bristol, including with Bristol Medical School, Psychological Science, Geographical Sciences and Veterinary Sciences.

The Centre also contributes to wider public health initiatives and interdisciplinary programmes focused on population health and wellbeing, working closely with local authorities, such as the Bristol City Council.

Our aims

A key aim of the Centre is to produce research that has meaningful real-world impact. ENHS research has informed major policy initiatives, including the UK Chief Medical Officer’s physical activity guidelines, NICE guidance, and international dietary and physical activity policy interventions. In addition to influencing policy, the Centre engages directly with communities through outreach and collaborative projects that promote healthier lives and support improvements in public health.