Dr Carmen Horvat is a Lecturer in Sport Management at University of Northampton. Carmen is from Slovenia, where she first studied Translation and Interpretation, and Pedagogy (dual study) at University of Maribor. In 2013, Carmen moved to Loughborough, where she achieved an MSc in Sport Management in 2014. Later, in 2021, she completed a PhD in Sport Policy and Management at Loughborough University. For her PhD Carmen investigated the development of and the existing elite sport policy system in a Slovenia. 

Alongside her studies, Carmen successfully managed her sporting obligations. Her sporting achievements include being a national team member in women’s artistic gymnastics (2005-2018) and representing Slovenia at several high-profile sporting competitions including World Championships, Universiades etc. Carmen is also an international judge and a licenced coach in the same discipline.

Carmen's areas of investigation include (elite) sport policy and management within a small-state context, as well the NGB and local club level, safeguarding and the athlete voice representation. 

Currently, Carmen is a also member of the WADA-funded international research team investigating anti-doping education and interventions.