Dr Christopher McManus

Biography

Dr Chris McManus is a Lecturer in the School of Sports, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences at the University of Essex, where he currently serves as Programme Director for the MSc Sport and Exercise Science and Cluster Lead for the Human Performance Research Group. Previously, he held the position of Director of the Human Performance Unit (HPU). In these roles, Dr McManus is responsible for the development and delivery of academic programmes in sports nutrition, exercise physiology, and exercise testing. His extensive research portfolio includes securing funding and leading projects across diverse areas such as software development for physiological applications, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), exercise and dietary interventions, genetics in sport and exercise, precise exercise prescription, and physiological testing methods. Dr McManus earned his PhD in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Essex, investigating the effects of compression garments on running economy and employing near-infrared spectroscopy techniques. He also holds an MA in Sport Management from London Metropolitan University and a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Essex. His scholarly work has been extensively published in respected academic journals. His consultancy experience spans numerous high-profile roles, including former positions as a performance nutritionist and applied physiologist. Dr McManus has advised brands such as SKINS compression clothing, contributing insights on product claims, development strategies, and research directions. He previously served as a Sports Scientist for Lucozade Sport, delivering seminars, workshops, and engaging extensively in professional communication, notably as a keynote speaker at the Virgin London Marathon Expo. Other consultancy projects have involved collaborations with GB Basketball, ExoFitness, and Oxygen Boost. In 2024, Dr McManus co-organised the inaugural mNIRS Conference, the first international event dedicated to muscle near-infrared spectroscopy, convening world-leading experts to advance knowledge and practice in this specialised field. Dr McManus maintains professional accreditation as a British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist and serves as a Supervisor and Reviewer for the BASES Supervised Experience Accreditation pathway, mentoring the next generation of sports science professionals. Further aligning with his research interests, particularly in Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), Dr McManus also holds the critical role of Department Ionising Radiation Protection Supervisor (DIRPS) at the University of Essex. In this capacity, he ensures the rigorous application of safety and compliance standards related to ionising radiation, integrating practical expertise with academic responsibilities.

Qualifications

• PhD University of Essex, (2020)

• MA Sports Management London Metropolitan University, (2008)

• BSc Sports and Exercise Science University of Essex, (2006)

Appointments

University of Essex

• Lecturer, School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex (3/9/2018 - present)

• Programme Director - MSc Sports and Exercise Science, School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex (1/9/2024 - present)

• Cluster Lead - Human Performance Research Group, School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex (1/8/2024 - present)

• Director of Human Performance Unit, School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex (1/9/2018 - 1/9/2024)

• Department Ionising Radiation Protection Supervisor (DIRPS), School of Sports, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences at the University of Essex, University of Essex (1/7/2018 - present)

• Manager of Human Performance Unit, School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex (1/11/2013 - 1/9/2018)

• Exercise Physiologist / Performance Nutritionist (Human Performance Unit), School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex (1/9/2011 - 1/10/2013)