Resources to guide researchers in high-quality sport science research in women

The call to arms to close the sex- and gender-gap in sport and exercise science (SES) research has achieved a welcome increase in studies including female athletes. However, due to the inherent complexities and challenges, many studies lack rigorous methods for classifying and controlling ovarian hormone status. Accordingly, robust conclusions about ovarian hormones’ effects on SES outcomes are yet to be achieved. Dr Ella Smith is a sports physiologist at the South Australian Sports Institute, specialising in female athlete physiology and evidence‑based performance optimisation. She has authored over 20 peer‑reviewed publications, contributing to a stronger evidence base in female‑specific physiology, including research on hormonal fluctuations, energy availability and competition performance.