Science Week 2024: Uniting sport and science to win well

This National Science Week, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is proud to showcase our incredible scientific work, uniting sport and science to help athletes achieve their best.

ASC staff at the Government Scientists Group STEM Expo at Parliament House, from left to right: Ministerial and Government Director Gareth Candy, Chief Science Officer Paolo Menaspa, Chief of Staff Brooke De Landre, Senior Dietitian Aimee Morabito, Sport Engineer Raj Kapoor and Deputy Chief of Staff Karlie Brand.

Budding and established scientists, engineers, technologists, mathematicians, and researchers from across Australia gained insights into the ASC and the Australian Institute of Sport's work at the Government Scientists Group STEM Expo, held at Parliament House.

AIS Chief Science Officer Paolo Menaspa said the ASC strives to be at the forefront of sport science and research in Australia.

"Our goal is to make sure our athletes and coaches have access to the latest scientific advancements and methodologies to ensure they can play well and win well."

The ASC was among more than 25 agencies, regulators, and departments with science capabilities represented at the expo, including the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Australian Space Agency, the Bureau of Meteorology, and Geoscience Australia.

AIS sports engineer Raj Kapoor was at the event and enjoyed the opportunity to talk to the attendees and promote the work of the AIS.

"Our cutting-edge technology gives Australian athletes an advantage in competition, from smart wearables to aerodynamic designs, engineering is at the heart of sports excellence."

AIS Senior Sports Dietitian Aimee Morabito said visitors to the AIS booth were curious how STEM can lead to a career in sport.

“I work with elite athletes, coaches, and their multidisciplinary teams to optimise both their health and performance. My work ensures athletes are fueled and ready to excel, helping them reach their full potential” Morabito said.

AIS staff Senior Sports Dietitian Aimee Morabito, Sports Engineer Raj Kapoor and Chief Science Officer Paolo Menaspa answered many questions about the role of STEM at the AIS.

The ASC has a full-time sport science community made up of physiologists, biomechanists, nutritionists, dieticians, psychologists, skill acquisition specialists as well as medical practitioners and technology related expertise in computer science, data analytics and engineering.

Our scientific work includes developing AIS position statements, as well as managing our national participation survey, AusPlay.

Throughout the Australian Olympic and Paralympic campaigns, our REST Hub staff focused on the science to optimise recovery from training to competition, and to ensure athletes were able to travel well, beat jet lag and acclimatise to the weather conditions.

Individualised equipment solutions from AIS Engineering designed to meet the unique needs of our athletes will be on display at the upcoming Paralympic Games.

"The future of science in sport is bright," Menaspa said.

"With a home Olympics and Paralympics Games in Brisbane in 2032, there are endless opportunities for those passionate about STEM in sport".