Newcastle University academic builds global links through visiting professorship in Canada
Pip Kyle visited the University of Toronto as part of a Visiting Academic position from December 2024 to February 2025. The trip was with support of the Newcastle University Development Trust (Alcan Endowment).
19 May 2025
Pip Kyle's visit to the University of Toronto allowed for expertise in leadership. work and organisations to be shared. The opportunity also allowed Pip to engage in collaborative analysis of her existing research data on safeguarding dancer welfare.
During the visit, Pip delivered guest lectures in modules such as Future Workplace Trends and Preparation on behalf of Dr Ashley Stirling, and Special Topics in Kinesiology and Physical Education (Entrepreneurship Innovation) on behalf of Dr Steph Buryk. She also audited a module on Safeguarding Youth in Sport led by Professor Gretchen Kerr.
Alongside teaching, Pip also mentored undergraduate students and collaborated with scholars safeguarding athlete and dancer welfare.
When asked about her experience of the visit, Pip said: “One of my most memorable moments was participating in the Future of Sport Commission, roundtable discussion. The commission aims to ensure all athletes and sport participants have a safe and positive experience in sport. In doing so, the commission seeks to learn from those whose experiences have revealed inadequacies in Canadian sport structures.”
The visit came about through ongoing discussions between scholars at Newcastle and Toronto, reflecting shared research interests and a mutual commitment to enhancing the welfare of athletes and dancers. This visit is significant in aligning with Newcastle University’s strategic goal of increasing global mobility among its academic staff.
As a result of the trip, we were delighted to welcome Thomas Leaf (MSc Candidate) and Francesca Principe (PhD Candidate at KPE) to Newcastle University, School of Psychology (Behavioural Sciences Pathway) from the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto, to share their research on advancing athlete welfare.
Dr Ashley Stirling, Vice Dean of Programs and Associate Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education said: ''Pip’s visit strengthened global ties, sparked new research collaborations in dancer welfare, and opened up great opportunities for student mentorship and academic exchange. It was a fantastic way to share ideas across institutions and build lasting partnerships.”
Pip added: “Thank you to Newcastle University Business School and the University of Toronto, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education for supporting this collaboration. I look forward to continuing our work and hope to enable future opportunities for internationalisation across our institutions.”