Simon Riis from Sport Science at Aarhus University has just received the HM Queen Margrethe II Travel Grant. The grant will help make his research career within biological sport theory possible. Preferably, with inspiration from abroad.

2015.09.23 | Helle Horskjær Hansen

At present, Simon Riis is taking the Master's degree programme in biological sports theory at Aarhus University. This is also where he has submitted his PhD application. He would like to find out, how a combined diet and exercise strategy with focus on optimising fat metabolism affects the course of exercise, and how fat metabolism is regulated when exercising.

Simon Riis received HM Queen Margrethe II's Travel Grant at Aarhus University's annual celebration.

"The scholarship gives me the option of taking a stay abroad or, alternatively, visiting conferences abroad, where I can get close to the cutting edge of international research within my area. I wouldn’t be able to do that without this grant," he says.

Among the grounds given for awarding the grant to Simon Riis, is the fact that he is proactive and that he has a research talent that is out of the ordinary. Furthermore, that he has also taught on the sport science Bachelor's degree programme in Sport Science, where he demonstrated extensive academic knowledge, independence and the resources to support other students through its commitment as a student teacher. 

Simon Riis is both honoured and grateful to receive the grant.
"It means that my efforts in recent years have been seen and recognised by the staff at the Section for Sport Science. In addition to the actual recognition, the grant also motivates me to continue working with the same dedication and focused approach as I have been doing," he says.

He hopes that his research can both contribute to the development of exercise and dietary recommendations for slightly overweight people with poor insulin sensitivity, as well as for top athletes such as cyclists and triathletes.

"So focus is both on health effects and on the optimisation of performance in elite sport. The research could be important for general dietary and training guidelines and recommendations, as well as our knowledge about the significance of optimising fat metabolism, and not least some of the mechanisms behind its regulation," he explains.

Further information
Simon Riis
Aarhus University, Department of Public Health
Tel.: +45 5123 1656
simonriis89@gmail.com