Member Statement: ESSA announces its latest Fellows

ESSA Fellowship recognises those members who have achieved a high level of professional accomplishment, responsibility and service to ESSA. At this time, ESSA would like to announce Fellowships to Associate Professor Annette Raynor and the late Professor Nigel Stepto.

“The awarding of an ESSA Fellowship allows us to recognise a long-standing member that has made a significant impact on the exercise and sports science industry and has continued to provide their support and dedication to the association,” says ESSA Chief Executive Officer, Anita Hobson-Powell.

Associate Professor Annette Raynor’s extensive and long-standing contributions to the exercise and sports science profession makes her more than fitting to be recognised as an ESSA Fellow.

Annette’s local leadership contributions include the courses she has managed at the University of South Australia and Edith Cowan University, as well her pioneering work at a national level as an ESSA-Accredited (previously known as NUCAP) Course Assessor and NUCAP Executive Member.

More recently, Annette’s research work has considered exercise physiologists within the aged care setting, and how this is being translated into ESSA advocacy work.

“Annette is a respected advocate for our profession, showcased through her knowledge, expertise and integrity,” says Anita.

As ESSA congratulates Associate Professor Annette Raynor, it is with much sadness that a second Fellowship is announced posthumously to Professor Nigel Stepto.

Professor Nigel Stepto had been a member of ESSA since 2009 before joining the ESSA Research Committee in 2014, and then its Chair in January 2019. Over the last 12 months, Nigel had done an exceptional role in leading the Research Committee to develop ESSA’s first Research Strategy document that will guide all of ESSA’s research work and collaborations in the future.

Nigel has been an important and large advocate for the industry over the last few years regarding women’s health and the role that exercise plays. In 2017-18, Nigel was part of the working party for the development of the lifestyle section of the 'International evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome'.

“On behalf of the ESSA Board and staff, we wish to express our condolences to Nigel’s family, his colleagues at Victoria University, his research collaborators and fellow members of the Research Committee. We hope this recognition of ESSA Fellowship can act as another signifier of the exceptional important career that Nigel led,” adds Anita.