In this podcast I speak to Dr Glen Davison (@GlenD800) and Dr Judith Allgrove about their research and activities associated with the immune system. We talk about differences in immune function between men and women and how the immune system is affected by exercise and by the menstrual cycle. We also talk about immune-related risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as various lifestyle strategies to enhance our immune function for when we exercise. Dr Judith Allgrove (@JudithAllgrove) completed her first degree in physiology at the University of Bristol. She then went onto study for an MSc and PhD in exercise physiology at Loughborough University, where she was awarded the postgraduate progression prize for outstanding academic achievement. Following a period working in a research post in exercise immunology at Loughborough, she moved to London to work as a senior lecturer in exercise physiology at Greenwich University, before taking her current post as senior lecturer in human physiology at Kingston University. Judith’s principal research interests lie in exercise-induced stress, the immune response and nutritional interventions in men and women. She is also interested in the study of markers of cardiovascular and Type 2 diabetes risk, particularly in relation to exercise and nutrition. Judith has worked on projects in a variety of areas including swimming, professional football, rugby and the fitness industry. Dr Glen Davison is Reader and Director of Research in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Kent, where he also co-ordinates the Endurance Research Group. He attained his first degree in Sport and Exercise Sciences (Sheffield Hallam) in 2001, MSc in Exercise Physiology (Sheffield Hallam) in 2002, and PhD in Nutrition and Exercise Immunology (Loughborough University) in 2006. He spent five years at Aberystwyth University in Wales before joining the University of Kent in 2011. Glen is a BASES-Accredited sport and exercise scientist (Physiology) and a Chartered Scientist (CSci). He has worked with amateur, elite and professional athletes from a range of sports, including football, rugby, hockey, athletics, triathlon and cycling. Glen’s research interests include: Nutrition and exercise immunology; interval training; and strategies to maintain optimal health and performance in athletes. He is currently conducting a study on variability in responses to caffeine (and the role of genetic variations), where he is comparing males and females to see whether they respond differently.

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