Research programs

The sport science research program has five research areas:

• nature and nurture
• preparation and training
• the winning edge
• the business of sport
• sport in society

This program includes projects in talent identification, development and expertise, genes and performance, team sports, Olympic sports, interactive technologies, altitude studies, nutrition and supplements and recovery.

The exercise science research program has three research areas:

• exercise and chronic disease
• metabolism and cellular function
• neuromuscular function and fatigue

This program includes studies in metabolic diseases, cardiovascular and kidney disease, neuromuscular disease, mitochondria, glucose metabolism and acid-base, ion regulation, central and peripheral fatigue, muscle atrophy, coordination/falls/gait and brain and behaviour.

The active living research program consists of two research areas:

• moderators of physical activity
• sport: culture and participation

This program consists of studies in self regulation, ageing, parental role modelling, personalised interventions, barriers and facilitators to sport participation, inclusive sport, outcomes of sport participation and business of sport.

Our multidisciplinary approach incorporates expertise from the following institute and schools:

• Institute for Sport, Exercise and Active Living
• College of Health & Biomedicine
• College of Sport & Exercise Science

Research partnerships

Research is undertaken in partnership with Australian universities, research bodies/organisations, national sports associations, government bodies and elite sport clubs. Our research partners and collaborators include:

• AIS and ASC (Australian Institute of Sport and Australian Sports Commission)
• Western Bulldogs Football Club
• University of Melbourne
• German Sports University
• Maribyrnong College (first elite sport school in Victoria)
• University of Western Ontario
• VIS (Victorian Institute of Sport)
• Tennis Australia
• CSIRO
• Swimming Australia
• Australian Football League
• Beijing Sport University
• Indiana University
• Leeds-Metropolitan University
• La Trobe University
• Ballarat University

If you would like to collaborate with us or become part of a research community committed to expertise and leadership in sport, exercise and active living please contact Dr Nigel Stepto.

Postgraduate research opportunities

We welcome applications from prospective research students wanting to undertake a PhD or Masters by Research in the research areas outlined above.

For further information about becoming a research student or guidance about possible project areas and supervisors, please contact Dr Harriet Speed

Contact us

Dr Harriet Speed
Phone: +61 3 9919 5412
Email: harriet.speed@vu.edu.au