BASES News
11th October 2023
BASES is extremely sad to learn of the passing of Professor Steven N. Blair.
Professor Blair (Steve) was the invited keynote speaker at the BASES 2018 Conference in Harrogate, where he opened the Conference on his talk Physical activity for health: the past, the present and the future. He also then co-delivered a roundtable parallel invited symposia session (Physical activity: challenges in global and national health to that of the individual person) with Prof Ken Fox FBASES and Prof John Buckley FBASES later in the Conference.
Colleagues may have been exposed to some of Professor Blair’s vast volume of research within in their educational and professional life. Steve’s contribution was not only from his writing but through action on all fronts. He consistently energised the exercise science field through his contributions to journal editing, leadership in key organisations, supervising young researchers, and public speaking. He delivered the message with passion and authority but also with a large slice of humour, humility and self-critique.
Steve was pivotal in convincing the medics and government that physical activity was a key component for health. Steve came across to the UK many times and presented the case, being a real catalyst for kick-starting the physical activity and public health field for us. It would have taken much longer without his contribution.
Steve was recognised through four honorary doctoral degrees, the US Surgeon General's Medallion and a long list of Fellowships and honours including the National Institutes of Health, ACSM, and the American Heart Association.
He will be greatly missed by the sport and exercise sciences community. BASES extends sincere condolences to his friends and family.