Thomas Reilly

Why an honorary doctorate? 

In 2003, VUB awarded an honorary doctorate to Thomas Reilly.

Sporting honour

His love for sport and exercise and their interaction with human well-being inspired many. He researched, invested, shared. As his field of interest and knowledge crossed many borders, they opened doors to new insights. For VUB, this is an example of how far-reaching research paves the way to innovation and improvement that benefits an entire society.

Athletes have it, that inescapable drive that pushes them to surpass. Victory beckons, but pushing personal boundaries beyond the comfort zone is an equally noble endeavour. Getting the most out of oneself (or wanting to) prevents disappointment and levelling down. Seeing each day as a challenge where the finish line is always a bit further on, to keep working toward more, eyes wide open.

About his career

Sport everywhere

In the life of Thomas (Tom) Reilly, everything revolves around sport, including his studies. He is still working on his PhD when he leaves for Cameroon (Central Africa) for two years. There he starts working as a teacher and athletic coach. When he returns, he concentrates on continuing his PhD in exercise physiology.

Meanwhile, Reilly begins working as a researcher at the National Institute for Medical Research and ends up at Liverpool Polytechnic (UK) at the end of his PhD. There, he is given the position of research assistant and focuses on examining the physiological needs of top footballers.

Tom wants to share his passion with others so he begins teaching sports science at Liverpool Polytechnic. He plays an important role in establishing, among other things, the bachelor's programme in science and football. Reilly also makes himself heard outside his homeland. He is visiting professor at the University of Tsukuba (Japan) and visiting researcher at the University of California (USA).

1983. Together with some academics and publishers, Reilly establishes the ‘Journal of Sports Sciences’. His vision of the magazine is broad, ranging from anthropology and behavioural sciences to biochemistry and physiology, to ergonomics and psychology. But the focus is always on movement and sport. His broad outlook and approach inspire national and international audiences.

Throughout his career, Reilly receives a Doctor of Science Award for his research on exercise and circadian rhythms (a biological rhythm whose cycle lasts about a day) and publishes no fewer than 900 articles.

In 1992, he becomes Director of the School of Human Sciences, in '95 he heads the Graduates School at John Moores University Liverpool, and it is 1997 when he is allowed to call himself Director of the Research Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences. He is in charge until his retirement in 2009.

But Tom Reilly also takes his sporting interests beyond the campuses. He competes in athletics, cross-country, handball, football and other sports and wins prizes for his efforts. He is (international) coach of several Olympic medallists, is an active member of the British Olympic Association and the World Commission on Science and Sport.

The list of his involvements is even longer: he is a fellow, lectures in more than 40 countries and provides consultancy to professional football teams. He is also part of the research team that is awarded the 2008 President's Medal of the Ergonomics Society for contributions to chronobiology and ergonomics.

Tom Reilly is a respected man whose intellect provides profound insights into many areas. He reads, writes and passionately spreads his devotion and knowledge.

Directorships

Director of the School of Human Sciences (1992), John Moores University in Liverpool (UK) (1995), Research Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences (1997).

Awards

Doctor Of Science Award and President's Medal Of The Ergonomics Society

Sport Sciences

School Of Human Sciences and then John Moores University In Liverpool (Vk)