About
Research
Email: nicola.brown@stmarys.ac.uk
Biography
Professor Nicola Brown is Professor of Women's Health and Performance at St Mary's University, London, where she serves as Associate Head of School for Research within the Faculty of Sport, Technology and Health Sciences. Her research focuses on women's health across the lifespan, particularly breast health and its impact on sport, exercise participation, and performance, while also exploring the development of health technologies and digital innovations that support more effective and accessible healthcare.
In addition to her research leadership responsibilities, Nicola teaches and supervises across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes in nutrition, sport science, and health-related disciplines. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and is committed to developing the next generation of researchers and practitioners.
Nicola is also a member of the internationally recognised Research Group in Breast Health at the University of Portsmouth and serves on the Executive Board of the Women in Sport and Exercise Academic Network. A qualified ISAK Level III anthropometrist, she also delivers specialist training in body composition assessment for healthcare, sport, and exercise professionals.
Research
Research profile
Professor Brown's research focuses on improving women's health and wellbeing across the lifespan, with particular expertise in breast health, physical activity, and healthcare innovation. Her work seeks to address barriers to sport and exercise participation, including breast pain, inadequate support garments, poor bra fit, and gaps in breast health education.
Her research combines scientific investigation with practical application. As co-founder of Treasure Your Chest, she has helped develop and deliver free, evidence-based breast health education resources for schools across the UK. The initiative has reached more than 400 schools and over 40,000 students, supporting greater body confidence, breast health awareness, and positive lifelong attitudes towards physical activity.
Nicola works closely with sporting organisations, apparel brands, healthcare providers, and health technology partners to develop innovative approaches to women's health and wellbeing. Through these collaborations, she helps translate research evidence into products, services, educational resources, and digital health solutions that support women and girls throughout their lives.
Through her research, public engagement, and collaborative partnerships, Nicola aims to improve health education, inform product and technology development, and create environments that enable more women and girls to participate confidently in sport and physical activity while enhancing health outcomes across the lifespan.
PhD students
Professor Brown has supervised a number of doctoral researchers to successful completion and continues to support current PhD candidates across a range of projects in women's health and performance.
Current doctoral researchers
- Sian Seccombe
- Charity Moyo
- Hannah Owen
Completed doctoral researchers
- Dr Elaine Mullally (2025)
- Dr Itse Olaoye (2025)
- Dr David Silver (2023)
- Dr John Downey (2022)
- Dr Hilary Baxter (2022)
- Dr Matthew Wade (2021)
- Dr Atefeh Omrani (2020)
Prospective PhD students interested in women's health across the lifespan, breast health, sport and exercise participation and performance, body composition, or health technology are encouraged to get in touch to discuss potential research opportunities.
Publications
Professor Brown has published widely on women's health, breast health, sport and exercise, and health education. A full and up-to-date list of publications is available via her Google Scholar profile.