In this episode, Carolyn Kent welcomes a special co-host, Emily Howarth, an MSc Physiotherapy student, for her first podcast appearance! Together, they interview Erin Griffiths, a PhD researcher working with Manchester United on ACL injury risk factors in women's football. Erin shares her academic journey, her transition into research, and what it's like conducting an industry-based PhD in a professional football environment.

Whether you're interested in sports science, women's football, injury prevention, or pursuing a PhD, this episode has valuable insights on navigating academia and sports research.

🔹 Erin’s Background & Research Journey – How she moved from an MSc in Medical Sciences to a PhD focused on ACL injuries in women's football. 🔹 Why Women's Football? – The gaps in research and why she chose to focus on female athletes. 🔹 Challenges in PhD Research – Ethics, adapting research methods, and working in an elite sports environment. 🔹 ACL Injury Risk Factors – Monitoring muscle strength, movement quality, and hormonal changes in female footballers. 🔹 Industry-Based PhD vs. Academic PhD – Working within a professional football club while conducting research. 🔹 Funding & Application Process – Advice for students considering a PhD, including securing funding and writing strong proposals. 🔹 Balancing Research & Personal Life – How Erin manages the demands of PhD research, club work, and her own well-being.

✅ Building Relationships is Key – Researching in a professional club requires strong communication skills. ✅ Expect Research to Evolve – Initial plans often change, so adaptability is crucial. ✅ PhDs are Challenging but Rewarding – You need to be passionate about your topic to sustain long-term motivation. ✅ Women’s Football Needs More Research – Now is the time to contribute to evidence-based practices in the sport. ✅ Networking is Essential – Use LinkedIn and reach out to professionals in your field.

🔗 LinkedIn: Erin Griffiths (Search her name!)

🔗 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Podbean 📢 Follow Women’s Football Hub for more insightful episodes on research, injury prevention, and performance in women’s football.

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🎙️ Interested in PhD research or ACL injury prevention? Share your thoughts in the comments!