Sheffield Hallam University

Type: Academia

Country: United Kingdom

The Centre for Sports Engineering Research (CSER) directed by Dr Simon Goodwill. It is the world's largest academic group in sports engineering and an internationally renowned centre of excellence for research and knowledge transfer. The centre's work covers four areas; performance analysis, biomechanics, design engineering, and skill acquisition. In each area, researchers develop fundamental knowledge and deliver applied solutions to enhance athletic performance, reduce injury and promote physical activity. CSER works in partnership with many sport and commercial organisations. We are immensely proud of our work with Team GB Olympic, and Paralympic athletes, and we enjoy research partnerships with global organisations (ITF, FIFA, and Adidas).

CSER offers an MSc in Sports Engineering that consistently achieves outstanding performance and receives excellent feedback from students and employers alike. The course combines taught modules with an industry linked research project and is firmly established as a leading international choice for students and employers. Our graduates have gone on to work within the innovation teams of some of the world’s leading brands. Many other graduates choose to stay within academia and have successfully embarked on funded PhD positions with ourselves and with other leading research institutions. Members of CSER also deliver teaching for a BSC in Sports and Exercise Science Technology. This degree was developed to meet the changing needs of industry and sports organisations where knowledge and experience of data and data acquisition is becoming essential.

Sports Engineering Competences

Our expertise spans areas including: codesign and co-creation; product testing, validation and evaluation; computer-aided engineering design; numerical modelling and computational simulation; high-speed video analysis, image processing and visualisation software; 3D laser scanning and depth camera imaging; prototype design and manufacture; bespoke software applications.

Performance Analysis: Our research expertise in performance analysis supports the development of systems for use in elite sports. We work with many national teams through the English Institute of Sport to provide bespoke technology solutions. Our methods involve video and data capture, databases, image processing, sensor technologies, machine learning, data mining and mobile apps. Our research provides users with appropriate feedback to change behaviour and identifies key performance indicators to inform strategy.

Biomechanics: Our research expertise in biomechanics combines engineering, sensors, computer programming and motor learning to develop measurement systems outside of the lab, in more representative settings. We are also pioneering the use of low-cost three-dimensional scanning for body morphology research.

Design Engineering: Our design engineering expertise is focused on developing a better understanding of sports equipment and its environment. Using fundamental physics, experiments and modelling techniques, we optimise sporting equipment for performance, athlete safety and increased participation. We utilise user centred design to push the boundaries of innovation in sports equipment, and validate our interventions using advanced measurement systems.

Fellowship Opportunities

Our research centre is engaged in a number of consultancy projects with industry and ongoing research projects within our three research themes.