Queen’s University Belfast and The Daily Mile Foundation launch UK-wide research to strengthen children’s health and wellbeing
The Daily Mile Foundation has announced a new UK-wide research partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, aiming to deepen understanding of how daily physical activity in schools supports children’s health and wellbeing.
The study builds on a successful Northern Ireland pilot carried out in 2022 and will now be expanded across the UK and Ireland. Using anonymised data, the research will explore how participation in The Daily Mile links to key health and wellbeing indicators, helping to generate robust evidence that can inform future policy and practice in schools and communities.
The Daily Mile Foundation has long championed the importance of simple, inclusive daily movement for children. This new data linkage study represents an important step forward in strengthening the evidence base behind the initiative and understanding its longer-term impact.
As part of the project, Queen’s University Belfast School of Psychology has awarded the Emily Turtle Award to a psychology student who will play a central role in delivering the research. The award recognises outstanding academic potential and a strong commitment to improving children’s lives through evidence-based research. Additional funding support has been provided by The Daily Mile Foundation and Athletics Ireland.
Fiona Paterson, UK and Ireland Partnership Manager at The Daily Mile Foundation, said:
“We are thrilled to be working with Queen’s University on this study. The Daily Mile has always been about making a simple, free and inclusive activity part of every child’s day. This research will help us better understand its long-term benefits and strengthen our mission to make movement part of every child’s day.”
Dr Gavin Breslin, lead academic on the project at Queen’s University Belfast, added:
“This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our efforts to build a healthier future for children. By linking data across sectors, we can uncover powerful insights into how initiatives like The Daily Mile contribute to lifelong wellbeing. We’re proud to support this work through the Emily Turtle Award and look forward to the impact it will have.”
The research is also supported by national partners across the UK and Ireland. Rachel Ormrod, Director of Participation at Athletics Ireland, said the study will help deepen understanding of the reach and impact of The Daily Mile in Ireland, where the programme has been promoted by Athletics Ireland since 2018.
James Williams, CEO of Welsh Athletics, added that the research will help refine the offer in Wales and maximise impact on both physical and mental wellbeing for young people.
What the study will explore
The study aims to better understand how The Daily Mile is implemented and supported in schools, and how this links to wider health and wellbeing outcomes for pupils. Findings will help shape future support for schools and inform approaches to promoting daily physical activity.
Get involved
Schools across the UK and Republic of Ireland are encouraged to take part. You can find out more about the study and complete the survey via:
The Daily Mile™ in the UK and Republic of Ireland
Findings from the research are expected to be shared in summer 2026.