The University of East London (UEL) has been recognized as an official member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by the British Olympic Association. This prestigious honour is a testament to UEL’s commitment to the Olympic movement and its impact on society.
- UEL is now one of only five institutions in the UK to receive this recognition
- The university joined the network after being endorsed by the British Olympic Association
- This membership is expected to provide new national and international opportunities for both students and academics at UEL
As part of its academic programmes, UEL offers various courses that delve into the world of Olympic studies. These include:
- Sports and exercise science in the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience
- Sports journalism in the School of Arts and Creative Industries
- Sports management in the Royal Docks School of Business and Law
In addition to these courses, research into the Olympic movement and its broader impact is also an active area of study at UEL. For example, Dr Nadia Grubnic has conducted research on how three east London boroughs—Newham, Hackney, and Barking & Dagenham—responded to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- Students can also engage with the British Olympic Association archive collection, which is housed at the UEL Docklands Library
- This archive documents the history of Team GB since 1906 and the development of the Olympic movement in the United Kingdom
The university’s recognition by the IOC is seen as an opportunity to enhance its Olympic-related teaching, community outreach, and research. Dr Andy Galbraith, associate professor in exercise physiology, stated: “East London and the University of East London have a strong connection with the Olympics. This recognition by the International Olympic Committee is a fantastic opportunity for UEL to continue this legacy, fostering enhanced opportunities for Olympic-related teaching, community outreach, and research.”
Krishna Roy-Chowdhury, associate director of content and digital environments, library, archives and learning services, added: “Our goal is to make the British Olympic archive discoverable and accessible through research and community engagement. We welcome researchers to engage with the collection and create more research and educational resources. We want to engage global communities with our Olympic heritage and emphasise how sports have a positive effect on physical and mental health on all age groups.”
The university’s recognition comes as it celebrates 2025 as the Year of Health, focusing on tackling health inequalities. UEL aims to create a healthier and fairer future for east London and further afield through investment and partnerships.
| Year | Achievement/Partnership |
| 2025 | UEL celebrates the Year of Health, focusing on tackling health inequalities |
| 2020 | UEL partners with the British Olympic Association to become an official member |
The university’s commitment to the Olympic movement is reflected in its recognition as an official member of the IOC. This honour is expected to bring new opportunities for students, academics, and the wider community, both nationally and internationally. The Olympic movement has a profound impact on society, promoting values such as excellence, friendship, and respect. By joining the IOC, UEL is not only acknowledging its own connection to the Olympics but also contributing to the global conversation around the importance of sports in promoting physical and mental health. Quote from Dr Nadia Grubnic
Dr Nadia Grubnic, “Our research on the Olympic movement is an opportunity to explore the intersection of sport, politics, and society. By studying the impact of major sporting events on local communities, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between sport, identity, and social change.”
Definition of the Olympic Movement
Refers to the organization and activities surrounding the Olympic Games, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Olympic Council of Asia, the Olympic Council of Africa, and other regional and national Olympic organizations.
Highlights
* UEL is now an official member of the IOC, with the British Olympic Association endorsing its membership. * The university offers various courses and research opportunities in Olympic studies. * The British Olympic Association archive collection is housed at the UEL Docklands Library. * The university celebrates 2025 as the Year of Health, focusing on tackling health inequalities.