Uni helping to ensure sport is sporting

Doping is not just a problem for elite athletes and the University of Lincoln is leading the way in tackling this and other issues in sport.

From developing a world-first AI anti-doping tool to shaping international policy and advising UK Parliament, academics from the university are working to ensure sport is safe, fair and, accessible at all levels.

Led by Professor Lambros Lazuras and colleagues in the university’s School of Psychology, Sport Science and Wellbeing, their work brings together behavioural science, policy insight, and innovation to tackle emerging challenges in doping and public health.

The research is central to the university’s wider vision for sport: not just performance on the field, but the systems, people and expertise that make sport work. It also reflects its commitment to supporting healthier communities by ensuring sport and exercise remain safe from threats such as drug use. 

One of the flagship innovations is WhistleBot, developed in collaboration with UK Anti-Doping. The world-first conversational AI tool provides confidential, 24/7 guidance to athletes and support personnel on how to report suspected doping.

The tool addresses well-documented barriers to reporting - including fear of retaliation, lack of knowledge, and concerns about anonymity - and has already shown promising results in pilot testing, helping users feel more confident in coming forward.

Lincoln researchers have also played a key role in shaping international anti-doping policy. Their work mapping anti-doping measures across Europe has informed new recommendations adopted by the Council of Europe, now guiding practice across 52 countries.

The findings highlight significant gaps in prevention, particularly in recreational sport, where doping poses an increasing public health risk. Research shows that only around a third of countries currently implement targeted measures in gyms and fitness settings, underlining the importance of coordinated action. These insights have directly contributed to new policy recommendations focused on education, prevention, and cross-sector collaboration.

At a national level, the University is also strengthening its role in informing public policy. Professor Lazuras and Dr Kay Ritchie, Director of the Lincoln Policy Hub, serve as secretariats for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Emerging Drugs and Online Behavioural Trends. In this role, they provide MPs and policymakers with the latest evidence on emerging trends in drug use, including in sport and exercise populations.

This work will culminate in a major event at the House of Lords on June 16 bringing together academics, policymakers and sector leaders to explore emerging challenges and solutions in clean sport.

Professor Lambros Lazuras said: “There is a tendency to see doping as just an issue for elite sport, but it is a growing public health and societal challenge. Our work focuses on understanding the behaviours behind it, and designing practical, evidence-based solutions that can support safer, fairer sport at all levels.

“What makes this work distinctive is the collaboration between researchers, policymakers and organisations like UK Anti-Doping. By working together, we can translate research into real-world impact - from international policy to tools that support individuals on the ground.”