The School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, at Western University, invites candidates to apply for the Frank Hayden Endowed Chair in Sport and Social Impact. This role is set to begin July 1, 2025, or as negotiated, aiming to enhance the school’s global leadership in research on the social impact of sport, with a focus on fostering social inclusion, health equity, and mobility for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Candidates with a demonstrated commitment to research excellence, ideally at the rank of Associate Professor or Full Professor with tenure, are encouraged to apply.
The Frank Hayden Endowed Chair will establish and lead a groundbreaking, interdisciplinary research program dedicated to advancing social change through sport and physical activity. This research aligns with the school’s dedication to using sport as a tool for social good, emphasizing participation for people with intellectual disabilities. The appointed Chair will also collaborate closely with Special Olympics Canada to form a knowledge hub that will support the Special Olympics movement, empowering athletes, families, and supporters to deepen their engagement and impact.
Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Research and Education
The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Kinesiology or a related field and have a proven track record of externally funded research. They will demonstrate excellence in teaching and curriculum development across diverse and flexible learning environments. Moreover, the role is pivotal to Western’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as the Chair will actively contribute to an inclusive research community that reflects the perspectives and experiences of equity-deserving communities.
The School of Kinesiology’s robust research clusters, including Physical Activity for Brain Health, Mobility, and Social Impact, offer an interdisciplinary environment that drives innovation in sport-related research. Ranked 26th globally for Sport Related Subjects by QS in 2023, the school is home to the International Centre for Olympic Studies and the Sport and Social Impact Research Group, fostering a dynamic, supportive community that values discovery, social responsibility, and equity.
Western University: A Premier Institution Committed to Excellence
Western University, located in London, Ontario, provides an ideal academic setting along the banks of the Thames River, blending a thriving urban community with access to scenic natural landscapes. With over 32,000 students across diverse academic and professional programs, Western has established itself as a premier research institution in Canada.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application by November 19, 2024. Applications must include a cover letter, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, a statement on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Decolonization, and Accessibility (EDIDA), a research statement with a five-year vision, and the contact information of three referees. Application packages should be submitted via email to Dr. Laura Misener, Director, School of Kinesiology, at kin.director@uwo.ca.
For more information about the Frank Hayden Endowed Chair and application details, please visit the School of Kinesiology’s website. Western University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, with priority given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.
Contact:
Dr. Laura Misener
Director, School of Kinesiology
Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University
London, Ontario, Canada N6A 3K7
Email: kin.director@uwo.ca
More information: https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/careers/pdf/AD.KIN.FHS-2025-07-01-Tenured-HS-278-Frank-Hayden-Endowed-Chair—Sport-and-Social-Impact.pdf
