Cain Clark
Academic Lead for Research for the Department of Life and Sport Sciences
Cain's background is in statistics and data analytics applied to sport sciences, nutrition, and behavioural epidemiology. Cain shares an extensive portfolio of scholarly work, including publications, grant acquisition, and supervision. He is also ranked in the top 2% of global scientists in “Sport Sciences” and “Nutrition & Dietetics”.
Biography
I am the Academic Lead for Research for the Department of Life and Sport Sciences at Birmingham City University. My expertise is in the application of robust and novel statistics in sport sciences, nutrition, and behavioural epidemiology.
Area of research
I have a passion for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, mixed-effects modelling, time-use modelling, compositional data analysis, and strongly advocate for cross and inter-disciplinary working.
I have had the honour of working with a myriad of excellent collaborators, and have now published more than 400 manuscripts, several book chapters, and countless conference presentations.
Background
My educational background actually began as an Undergraduate studying BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences; I most enjoyed the dissertation, planning the research, and analysing the data. This led me down a path of undertaking a MSc by Research in modelling exercise physiology data. Following this, I crossed the border into Wales, to conduct my PhD at Swansea University, focussing on data analytics applied to health and sport.
My professional career actually began as a phlebotomist in Hereford, doing this part-time during my undergraduate study. I then progressed into a Sport and Exercise Science Laboratory Technician role whilst studying.
Post-graduation, I have worked as a lecturer, senior lecturer, course leader, research fellow, senior research fellow, and associate professor, across Wales and the West Midlands. Throughout my educational and professional career, I have always strived to utilise robust and novel statistics to advance the fields of sport science, nutrition, and behavioural epidemiology.
Work with industry
One interesting thing I’m working on is the global SUNRISE project, where I work as a leadership group member, and lead statistician. This work brings together researchers from low, middle, and high income countries across the globe, and seeks to measure physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep in children under the age of 5 years. It is a globally inclusive and pioneering and piece of work, with 70 countries included and more joining!
Past students
Students that I have supervised have progressed into research fellow, senior research fellow, and lecturing roles (with academia). Moreover, a number of former students now work in governmental and advisory capacities, both in the UK and internationally.