Welcoming Professor Kate Dashper as the new Chair of the ORN Academic Research Group

We are delighted to welcome Professor Kate Dashper as the new Chair of the ORN Academic Research Group. Kate takes over from Lee Newton, who established and led the ARG sessions from the outset. Lee’s leadership has been instrumental in creating a space for meaningful exchange between researchers and practitioners, and we extend our sincere thanks for his contribution in building such a valuable and well-regarded forum.

Kate brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. She is Professor and Director of Postgraduate Research Degrees at the Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, where she leads work on Responsible Outdoor Recreation Research (RORR). Her research focuses on balancing the demands of nature protection, public access, recreation and sustainable development, and she has worked with partners including Natural England, the Ministry of Defence and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

An internationally recognised expert in equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), Kate has contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed publications and collaborates globally. She is also Managing Editor of Leisure Studies and serves on several editorial boards.

Kate is passionate about strengthening collaboration between academia and practice, and we look forward to her leadership in shaping the next phase of the ARG.

Kate will Chair the upcoming online ARG session exploring “The Role of Nature in Eldercare and Future Research Priorities” on Tuesday 24 March 2026 at 12:00 – 13:00. This session will cover:

• Rutger de Graaf (Chairman, Gezond Natuur Wandelen)
  From research insights to implementation: the role of nature in eldercare in the Netherlands
  Exploring how research is being translated into practice to support health and wellbeing through nature-based approaches in nursing homes.

• Professor Kate Dashper (ARG Chair)
  Emerging research themes and priorities in outdoor recreation
  An interactive discussion on the key areas shaping research and practice, and how the ARG can support collaboration and impact going forward.

This session will be of particular interest to those working across health, wellbeing, access, inclusion, land management and policy.

Book your place here.

Help Shape the Future ARG Programme (2026–2027)

We are now inviting ideas to inform the next programme of ARG sessions. The Academic Research Group aims to:

– Share evidence, insight and learning

– Support application of research in practice

– Strengthen partnerships between researchers and organisations

We are planning four online sessions for 2026–2027 and would welcome suggestions for:

– Research themes aligned to the ORN Action Plan 2025–2028

– Case studies demonstrating impact

– Topics where stronger links between research and practice are needed

Submit your ideas and help shape future sessions via Microsoft Forms – ORN Academic Research Group Survey

Whether you are a researcher, policymaker, practitioner or delivery partner, the ARG provides an opportunity to:

– Stay informed on the latest research

– Share your work and insights

– Connect with others across the sector

We look forward to welcoming you to the session on 24 March and to working together to shape the future direction of the Academic Research Group.