IPC appoints Dr Richard Budgett as Scientific Advisor (External)
Leading expert to guide the IPC’s sport science and research strategy 23 Sep 2025
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has appointed Dr Richard Budgett as its new Scientific Advisor (External). A globally respected figure in sports science, Dr Budgett has held senior roles with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for more than a decade, the British Olympic Association, and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee. An Olympic gold medallist, he brings a unique blend of elite athlete experience and scientific leadership to the IPC.
As IPC Scientific Advisor, Dr Budgett will provide strategic guidance in the area of sport science. He also will advise on the development of a research strategy and assessment of related sport science policies, along with the development of a strategy for engaging universities in research efforts and partnerships. Dr Budgett also will support the IPC’s Classification Director and external Medical Director on related research initiatives.
The IPC’s Medical and Scientific Lead, Yoko Dozono, will liaise with Dr Budgett as the IPC moves to strengthen its scientific foundation and provide strategic clarity for its stakeholders to help identify and address existing gaps in scientific research that benefits the Paralympic Movement. Helping the IPC to grow the reach and depth of its existing research network, Dr Budgett will help the IPC foster opportunities for evidence-based initiatives, as well as distribution and implementation of research outcomes across Para sport.
Dr Budgett said: “I am really excited and honoured to take on the task of developing a research strategy for the IPC after working in close cooperation with the Paralympic Movement for many decades.
“I look forward to working with colleagues across the Paralympic Movement to ensure our research continues to evolve in support of athlete health and fair competition.”
IPC Chief Executive Officer Dr Mike Peters PLY lauded the appointment: “Dr Budgett’s combination of expertise, proven leadership, ability to foster strategic partnerships with leading scientists, and understanding of high-performance sport is truly exceptional. We are delighted to work with Dr Budgett in this capacity and believe his contributions will be instrumental to advancing our work in this area. His appointment reflects our commitment to understanding and promoting Para athlete health and wellbeing and defining and innovating critical research programmes and partnerships in Para sport research.”
Dr Budgett brings decades of experience in elite sport and sports medicine. During his stellar career, he has served as IOC Medical and Science Director for more than a decade and served as team doctor for Great Britain’s rowing and bobsleigh teams. He previously held senior roles at the British Olympic Medical Centre and the English Institute of Sport and contributed to the planning and delivery of medical services and science research at multiple Olympic Games and Olympic Winter Games.
He has published extensively on fatigue and underperformance in athletes, chaired the British Rowing Medical Committee for 20 years, and led anti-doping efforts as Chair of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Prohibited List Committee. He won Olympic gold in rowing at the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
