University News Last updated 31 October 2012
An academic from Birmingham City University has been awarded not one, but two fellowships in recognition of his contribution to podiatric medicine.
Professor Robert Ashford, Director of Post Graduate Research Degrees from the Faculty of Health at Birmingham City University, was awarded a Founders Fellowship of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow earlier this month and on the following day a Fellowship of the Faculty of Podiatry in Podiatric Medicine.
Professor Ashford, who has taught at a number of schools of podiatry since qualifying from the Glasgow School in 1975, received the awards in recognition of his contribution to the field of podiatry in the areas of podiatric research and education.
Running shoe performance research
His most recent research into running shoes highlighted how the design of running shoes could boost as athlete’s performance. Alongside colleagues from other Midlands universities, Professor Ashford and his team examined the drag on models of middle to long distance running shoes.
The researchers concluded that the aerodynamics of a running shoe, both in terms of upper shoe design and the overall composition of the frontal aspects of the shoe, could potentially affect a runner’s performance.
Professor Ashford said: “I am delighted and humbled that my profession and indeed a Royal College have recognised the contribution I’ve made over many years to my chosen profession. It was with great pride that the two awards were conferred in my home town.”
Working in higher education for much of his career, Professor Ashford has taught at various institutions including Huddersfield Polytechnic School of Podiatry and the Northern Ireland School of Podiatric Medicine where he was instrumental in Northern Ireland securing degree status for podiatry.
In 1994 he joined the then University of Central England – now Birmingham City University – having initially been appointed as professor to the new Podiatry School. Over the years Professor Ashford has presented at many international meetings and has secured various research grants.