Extreme Environments

Extreme Environments & Occupational Performance Research Group

Read below to find out about the research we conduct

The Extreme Environments & Occupational Performance Group investigates the physiological and psychological responses to adverse environments (e.g. heat, cold, and hypoxia) and the selection, preparation, and protection of those who enter such environments. This group has a world renowned reputation for their work in the areas working environments and operational conditions, occupational performance, 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.

Extreme environments laboratories

See how altitude and humidity affect people's comfort, performance and survival. Features an immersion pool and swimming flume, which acts like a treadmill for swimmers.

A man in a harness being submerged in water
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Sports and Human Performance Testing

Analyse sports performance and environmental physiology, and use some of the best extreme environments facilities in the UK.

Male and female ultramarathon competitors crossing finish line
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Our research members

Michael John Tipton Portrait

Professor Mike Tipton

Professor of Human and Applied Physiology

Michael.Tipton@port.ac.uk

School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences

Faculty of Science and Health

PhD Supervisor

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Joseph Costello Portrait

Dr Joe Costello

Associate Head (Research and Innovation)

joe.costello@port.ac.uk

School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences

Faculty of Science and Health

PhD Supervisor

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Heather Claire Massey Portrait

Media ready expert

Dr Heather Massey

Senior Lecturer

Heather.Massey@port.ac.uk

School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences

Faculty of Science and Health

PhD Supervisor

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Mitch Lomax Portrait

Dr Mitch Lomax

Associate Professor in Pulmonary Exercise Physiology

Mitch.Lomax@port.ac.uk

School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences

Faculty of Science and Health

PhD Supervisor

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Clare Mary Eglin Portrait

Dr Clare Eglin

Principal Lecturer

Clare.Eglin@port.ac.uk

School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences

Faculty of Science and Health

PhD Supervisor

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Emma Claire Neupert Portrait

Dr Emma Neupert

Senior Lecturer

Emma.Neupert@port.ac.uk

School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences

Faculty of Science and Health

PhD Supervisor

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Thomas Benjamin Williams Portrait

Mr Thomas Williams

Lecturer

Thomas.Williams@port.ac.uk

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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 & Occupational Performance 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