Ken Fox, Professor of Exercise and Health Sciences, was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Coimbra, Portugal, on 7 July. He was recognised for his services to physical activity, exercise psychology and public health and also for the support he has given the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Science at Coimbra over the years. 

Professor Fox said: ‘Coimbra is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the ceremony was very formal and traditional – almost medieval in style. It was an amazing experience and involved being embraced individually by each of the 60 professors at the ceremony. The award is a reflection of the growing recognition of the importance of research and practice in physical activity and health.’

The evening before, Professor Fox delivered the ninth Sylvio Lima Lecture to the faculty. He spoke on ‘Physical activity and public health: the role of exercise psychology’.