Loughborough University is world-leading in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines. No other UK university can match its excellent track record in sports performance, sports science and engineering. As a preferred partner to UK Sport, the Sports Technology Institute is contributing to cutting-edge research projects to support athletes in preparation for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The University's increasing impact and exploitation of its work through partnering sports organisations is reflected in its Sports Technology Institute, a £15M initiative to enhance research, innovation and enterprise in the sports sector that opened on the Park in 2009. The Institute works with the sporting goods industry, the English Institute of Sport, UK Sport and the University's Innovative Manufacturing and Construction Research Centre to boost enterprise in the sport and leisure sector and develop cutting-edge technology. It has an international reputation for work with global brands including adidas, Callaway Golf, Canterbury of New Zealand, Head, Umbro, New Balance, Nike, Reebok and Sports World International (Dunlop Slazenger) on the design, simulation, testing and manufacture of sports equipment.

2010 saw the opening on the Science and Enterprise Park of SportPark, a national hub for some of the UK's sports governing bodies and other organisations including British Swimming, the England and Wales Cricket Board, the English Federation for Disability Sport and Sport England. The co-location of the Sports Technology Institute and SportPark, and their proximity to the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and many of the UK's leading athletes that train at Loughborough, makes the Science and Enterprise Park the ideal location for the sports industry and related organisations.

The University's world-class reputation for sport has been recognised by its confirmation as the Official Preparation Camp Headquarters for Team GB for the Games. The University is likely to see the highest concentration of Olympic activity outside the capital as it will also host the Japanese Olympic team, heralding the start of a legacy of stronger research and industry links with Japan.

The University is also working alongside the London Olympic Park Legacy Company in shaping the education legacy of the Games through the proposed International Institute of Sport for Health.