Olympic Champion and Sports Science Leader Richard Budgett Joins IPC as Scientific Advisor

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has turned to one of sport’s most respected figures to help guide its future scientific direction. Dr Richard Budgett OBE, an Olympic gold medallist and global leader in sports medicine and research, has been appointed as the IPC’s new Scientific Advisor (External).

It’s a move that signals the IPC’s growing ambition to strengthen the scientific foundations of Para sport, ensuring athlete health, fair competition, and evidence-based decision making remain at the heart of the Paralympic Movement.

A unique blend of science and sport

Few figures bring the same breadth of experience as Dr Budgett. A 1984 Olympic rowing champion, he later turned his focus to medicine and research, building a career that has influenced some of the biggest stages in world sport.

He has spent more than a decade with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as Medical and Science Director, oversaw planning for London 2012, and served as team doctor for Great Britain’s rowing and bobsleigh squads. Beyond the Games, he has published extensively on athlete fatigue and performance, chaired British Rowing’s Medical Committee for 20 years, and helped shape global anti-doping policy as Chair of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Prohibited List Committee.

For the IPC, his appointment represents a rare convergence of athlete insight, scientific expertise, and international leadership.

Shaping the future of Para sport research

In his new role, Dr Budgett will provide strategic guidance in sport science and help the IPC develop a long-term research strategy. This includes assessing policies, building partnerships with universities, and supporting classification and medical initiatives alongside the IPC’s Classification Director and external Medical Director.

The IPC’s Medical and Scientific Lead, Yoko Dozono, will work closely with Dr Budgett, with an emphasis on identifying research gaps and ensuring outcomes are widely implemented across Para sport.

“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,” said Dr Budgett. “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.”

A vote of confidence from IPC leadership

The appointment has been hailed by IPC Chief Executive Officer Dr Mike Peters PLY, who praised both Budgett’s pedigree and his capacity to build bridges across the global research community.

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. Peters said. “His appointment reflects our commitment to understanding and promoting Para athlete health and wellbeing and defining and innovating critical research programmes in Para sport.

As the Paralympic Games continue to grow in scale and influence, the need for robust scientific research has never been greater. Athlete health, fair classification, and anti-doping policies are central to maintaining credibility and advancing performance.

By appointing Dr Budgett, the IPC signals that it intends not only to keep pace with global best practice, but to set the standard in Para sport science.

For Dr Budgett, it’s the next chapter in a career that has spanned podiums, laboratories, and boardrooms. For the Paralympic Movement, it’s a step toward a future built on evidence, integrity, and innovation.