Dr Tom Campbell BSc (Hons), PhD, FHEA, is an Associate Professor in Sport and Exercise Science and Director of the Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland (MTBCOS), based at Edinburgh Napier University.
Tom is an internationally recognised leader in knowledge exchange, applied research, and enterprise within the cycling and mountain biking sectors. Tom plays a pivotal role in shaping strategic innovation agendas across government, industry, and academia, contributing to multi-million-pound investments in infrastructure, sustainable trail development, and community-focused cycling initiatives.
Tom has led 15 enterprise-related projects, including consultancy for national bodies such as Scottish Cycling and South of Scotland Enterprise, and has secured over £750k in external funding. He has a strong record of translating applied research into impactful outcomes, including the development of new businesses, innovative products, and sector-wide frameworks that promote economic and societal value. He has led the University’s contribution to major European programmes such as DIRTT and ATLAS, revolutionising trail building education and advancing professionalism in the outdoor recreation sector across Europe and the US.
A strategic thought leader, Tom sits on expert groups and advisory panels for organisations including Cycle Industries Europe, the International Mountain Biking Association, and the Scottish Mountain Bike Consortium. His extensive networks span government, industry, NGOs, and international academic partners, helping drive forward interdisciplinary collaboration and regional growth through initiatives such as the Mountain Bike Innovation Centre and Living Trail Lab.
Tom’s public engagement and knowledge exchange work have raised the University’s profile globally, with invited presentations at international summits and ongoing partnerships with major cycling and trail-building stakeholders. His leadership has also extended into education, having designed industry-embedded curricula and created significant work-related learning opportunities through modules and programmes that bridge enterprise with student development.
Research Interests
Mountain bike innovation and enterprise. Dual-career athletes / enterprising athletes. Application of mixed-methods research to applied problems. Ergonomics.
Teaching and Learning
Tom leads and teaches on the BA Business and Enterprise in Sport (online) and Cert HE Business and Enterprise in Sport programmes. He also teaches on the Sport and Exercise Science and Developing Athletes through Professional Practice programmes. Tom is module leader for The Dual Career Athlete, Football in the Digital Landscape, Introduction to Sport and Business Psychology, Professional Development & Experiential Learning, Stress, Performance and Behaviour and supervises students through Research Methods in Sport and Exercise.
Tom is also a TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme) accredited dual career adviser.
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
