Research group: Sports engineering
Exploring the design and testing of sports equipment.
Research summary
About our research
We are interested in the effect of technology on sport.
We work to improve athlete performance, reduce injury risks and increase participation in sport and exercise.
Our work is multidisciplinary and covers:
- engineering
- sports science
- materials engineering
- healthcare
- image processing
We work alongside the Centre for Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine to inform new designs, testing methodologies and fabrication techniques for personal protection equipment to reduce injury rates in sport.
Our research strengths include:
- experimental mechanics
- finite element analysis
- advanced materials
- user-centred design
Our staff are renowned sports engineers holding prestigious editorial roles. These roles are with Sports Engineering, the journal of the International Sports Engineering Association (ISEA), and the Routledge Research in Sports Technology and Engineering - Book Series
They hold influential positions at organisations including the:
- Biomedical Engineering Division within the Institution of Mechanical Engineers
- International Society for Snowsport Safety
- British Standards Institution, on the committee PH/3/11 Protective Equipment For Sports Players
- UK Metamaterials Network, leading the Health Challenge and co-leading a special interest group on mechanical metamaterials
Our facilities
We use bespoke test rigs, imaging facilities and software and computer-aided engineering tools.
Our facilities include:
- computer-aided engineering software
- material testing devices
- cameras, including high-speed and digital image correlation software
- instrumented drop tower impact rigs
- bespoke sports equipment test rigs
- engineering workshops and additive manufacturing devices, for rig development and prototyping
If you are interested in joining our group as a postgraduate research student, please contact us. Opportunities including Masters by Research and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). For information visit postgraduate research study page.
Hear from our researchers
Dr Tom Allen and Dr Keith Winwood explain how their research is improving protective equipment through the exploration of materials, design enhancements and testing procedures.UK Sports Engineering Seminar Day
The UK Sports Engineering Seminar Day was first held at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2017. It has since be held at Loughborough University, Sheffield Hallam University, Canterbury Christchurch University and Nottingham Trent University. The free to attend event is a celebration of Sports Engineering in the UK and anyone with an interest in the topic is welcome to attend. The day usually consists of a tour of facilities, presentations, discussions and networking.
The next seminar day will be at Sheffield Hallam University on 27th March 2025.
Go to Eventbrite for more details and to book the tickets.
Follow the X account for updates: @SportsEngUK
Heriot-Watt University will host the seminar day in 2026.
Promoting sustainability, inclusivity and innovation in sports technology
Dr Tom Allen contributed to IMechE policy reports:
Our featured projects
Students and visiting academics
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Research staff and students and notable alumni
PhD students
- Sukhdeep Murbay — Factors influencing the geometric dimensional accuracy of 3D printing/additive manufacturing in dentistry
- Steve Spurrier — Bio-inspired design of climbing shoes
- Amador Chapa Cárdenas — based at Tecnológico de Monterrey — Metamaterials for sports applications
- Olga Kravchenko, based at Rheon Labs - Computational design of metamaterials for sports applications
PhD graduates
- Dr Adil Imam — Finite element model of padded clothing in rugby
- Dr Guido Ascenso — Markerless motion tracking of swimmers
- Dr Charlote Moroney, now a swimwear designer and technologist at Sian Swimwear — Design and development of sports apparel with auxetic materials
- Dr Chloe Newton-Mann, now the secretary of the International Sports Engineering Association — Finite element modelling of snowboard wrist protectors
- Dr Gemma Leslie — Wrist surrogate design
- Ian Gatt, enrolled at Sheffield Hallam University and based at the English Institute of Sport — Wrist injuries in boxing
- Daniel Haid — based at Sheffield Hallam University - Smart materials for ice hockey helmets
Visiting researchers
- Dr Luca Taraborrelli, funded by the Sapienza University of Rome — Historical development of tennis rackets
- Mariafederica Parisi — Materials for impact protection
Graduates
- Thomas Baggott, employed by British Cycling, and now Designability — Development of an instrumented handlebar for a bike
- Matthew Bagan, now an MSc Sports Engineering student at Sheffield Hallam University — Mechanical ageing of running shoes
- Ryan Martin, now an engineer at BAE Systems — Mechanical ageing of running shoes
Contact
Contact us
You can contact individual members of the team through their staff profiles.
For general enquiries, you can contact our group lead Dr Tom Allen.