Apply Enquire

AUT

Study

Research in sport and recreation

Ranked in the top 30 in the world, AUT is globally known for its leading sport and exercise science research. Our research covers sport and activity-related areas, as well as performance, nutrition, coaching and human potential.

We're proud to be the home of New Zealand's top sport and fitness facility, AUT Millennium, and the Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ) is New Zealand’s number one sports research institute.

Institutes, centres and networks

Research archive

J.E. Lindsay Carter Kinanthropometry Clinic

Research degrees

AUT Millennium

Our researchers work on key national projects at AUT Millennium, our world-class sports training and research facility.

AUT Millennium website

Our professors Mark Orams Professor of Sport and Recreation Professor Mark Orams' research interests focus on marine recreation and sport, high performance sport, leadership, coaching and outdoor education. He has been involved in the top level of sport as an athlete, a coach and as a sports team leader. Professor Mark Orams' research interests focus on marine recreation and sport, high performance sport, leadership, coaching and outdoor education. A professional sailor who has raced around the world, he has been involved in two America’s Cups, has won multiple world and New Zealand titles and thus, has been involved in the top level of sport as an athlete, a coach and as a sports team leader.

Our professors John Cronin Professor of Strength and Conditioning Research in high performance sport is a key focus for Professor John Cronin who has worked with some of the world’s top athletes, and believes that being an academic is all about people. Research in high performance sport is a key focus for Professor John Cronin who currently supervises a number of postgraduate students from New Zealand and overseas. Former discus world champion Beatrice Faumuina, New Zealand Cricket and the Silver Ferns have all benefited from Professor Cronin’s strength and conditioning expertise.

Our professors Erica Hinckson Professor of Physical Activity and the Environment Progressing research that benefits people and communities has been an overriding theme of Professor Erica Hinckson’s career. Progressing research that benefits people and communities has been an overriding theme of Professor Erica Hinckson’s career, with a focus on reducing the prevalence of physical inactivity. A highly successful former athlete, she has earned a place on the University of California San Diego’s Hall of Fame in recognition of her exceptional contribution to UCSD Athletics.

Our professors Grant Schofield Professor of Public Health Professor Grant Schofield is an authority on wellbeing and chronic disease prevention, especially related to reducing the risk from factors like obesity. Professor Grant Schofield is internationally known as an authority on wellbeing and chronic disease prevention, especially related to reducing the risk from obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In addition to being professor of public health, Professor Schofield is director of the Human Potential Centre.

View all staff profiles

News

Healthy homework works

16 Sep, 2019

Researchers investigated the effects of a Healthy Homework implementation in primary school children.

Five questions: Professor Lesley Ferkins

13 Sep, 2019

We asked Professor Lesley Ferkins five questions about her research ahead of her Inaugural Professorial Address.

AUT moves up 50 places in world rankings

12 Sep, 2019

AUT is now in the top 1% of world universities and in the top 50 for research citations.

62% increase in AUT researchers

30 Apr, 2019

Growing expertise to help New Zealand and the world

New Professors and Associate Professors

01 Nov, 2018

AUT has announced the promotion to Professor of seven senior academics. A further 16 academics have been appointed as Associate Professors.

View all news

Events

'What can we learn when we do this together?': a public lecture by Lesley Ferkins

Tuesday 1 Oct, 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Andrew Kilding's inaugural professorial address: free public lecture

Tuesday 26 Nov, 4:30pm - 5:30pm

View all events

Great graduatesErika IkedaPostdoctoral Fellow, Medical Research Council Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United KingdomDoctor of Philosophy
Master of Health Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Health ScienceShe chose AUT because of the calibre of her supervisor, says sport and recreation alumna Erika Ikeda who came to AUT as an international student from Japan.She chose AUT because of the calibre of her supervisor, says sport and recreation alumna Erika Ikeda who came to AUT as an international student from Japan. The opportunities for multidisciplinary research and collaboration are what Erika has enjoyed most about her studies at AUT. She also appreciated having access to the Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ) and its fantastic facilities.

Great graduatesChloe McKenzieStrength and Conditioning Coach, High Performance Sport New Zealand / Owner, Next Level NetballDoctor of Philosophy
Master of Sport and Exercise
Postgraduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science
Bachelor of Sport and RecreationHelping athletes achieve their goals is what she loves most about being a strength and conditioning coach, says sport and recreation alumna Chloe McKenzie.Helping athletes achieve their goals is what she loves most about her career as a strength and conditioning coach, says sport and recreation alumna Chloe McKenzie. She has always had a love for sport, says Chloe whose passion for sport and recreation saw her take on study from undergraduate level all the way up to a PhD.

Great graduatesScott BrownResearch Fellow, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USADoctor of PhilosophyAttending AUT is one of the greatest decisions he has made, says Dr Scott R Brown who came to AUT from the USA to complete a PhD in sports biomechanics.Attending AUT is one of the greatest decisions he has made, says Dr Scott R Brown who came to AUT from the USA to complete a PhD in sports biomechanics. For his doctoral research, Scott explored knee injuries in rugby athletes. Scott presented his work at several international and national conferences, and he received the PhD Academy Award by the prestigious British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Great graduatesMatthew KritzSenior Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Performance, University of California San Diego
Co-Founder / Managing Director, Athlete Nation LLCDoctor of PhilosophyA passion for sport is what drives AUT sport and recreation alumnus Dr Matthew Kritz who has more than 20 years of experience in elite sport.A passion for sport is what drives AUT sport and recreation alumnus Dr Matthew Kritz who has more than 20 years of experience in elite sport and has worked with Olympic athletes from 21 different sports. He is proud of two decades of physically and mentally preparing athletes in both ground and water-based sports, Matthew says.

Great graduatesErin BowermanStrength and Conditioning Coach, New Zealand Dance CompanyMaster of Sport and ExerciseThere’s nothing she doesn’t love about her job as a strength and conditioning coach at the New Zealand Dance Company, says AUT sport alumna Erin Bowerman.There’s nothing she doesn’t love about her job, says AUT sport and recreation alumna Erin Bowerman who has created a first of its kind strength and conditioning coach role for the New Zealand Dance Company – our nation’s leading contemporary dance company. Her Master of Sport and Exercise from AUT has given her the perfect foundation for her role at the New Zealand Dance Company, says Erin.

View all student profiles

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your web browser at any time. Learn more.