Dr Stuart Hesketh

Dr Hesketh’s research focuses on the use of advanced proteomics to investigate skeletal muscle adaptation to exercise, with particular emphasis on the role of circadian rhythms in exercise adaptation, ageing, and health. He has published in high-impact international journals and contributed to a textbook published by the American Physiological Society, highlighting his recognised authority in the field. His work is highly interdisciplinary, integrating molecular biology, systems physiology, and applied sports science. Dr Hesketh continues to maintain active collaborations with academic and clinical research groups in the UK and internationally.

Stuart began his academic career with a fully funded PhD scholarship at Liverpool John Moores University, in the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences. Here he developed and applied novel dynamic proteome profiling methods using isotope labelling and mass spectrometry to interrogate the mechanisms of muscle adaptation in vivo. This work led to a postdoctoral position at the University of Florida’s prestigious Myology Institute, where he expanded his expertise in circadian biology, proteomics, and multi-disciplinary approaches to exercise and health. He contributed to several aspects of the NIH-funded MoTrPAC consortium, one of the largest international exercise biology projects to date.

On returning to the UK, Dr Hesketh joined the Centre for Proteome Research at the University of Liverpool, where he led proteomics services for the NERC Environmental Omics Facility, managing multiple externally funded projects and providing high-quality analytical and bioinformatics support to diverse research partners.

Alongside his academic research, Stuart has almost a decade of experience working in applied sport science and strength and conditioning with professional athletes and teams, including Team GB Paralympians, triathletes, the Welsh Women’s Field Hockey Team, Super League rugby, and women’s football clubs. This dual applied–academic perspective informs both his teaching and research, ensuring his work remains translational and impactful.

Dr Hesketh remains committed to advancing excellence in teaching, research, and external engagement, and to mentoring postgraduate and doctoral researchers. His portfolio reflects a consistent focus on interdisciplinary innovation, translational research, and international collaboration, reinforcing the University of Lancashire’s growing reputation in sport, exercise, and medical sciences.