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Research in sport and recreation

Ranked in the top 35 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 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.

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News

HRC grants for three AUT researchers

02 Jul, 2020

AUT researchers working on stroke, exercise science and traumatic brain injury research have received Health Research Council grants.

Athletic immunity and sporting events

16 Mar, 2020

AUT PhD candidate Lauren Keaney has researched athletic immunity and strategies to stay well in the leadup to major sporting fixtures.

Feeding local population vs food exports

30 Jan, 2020

AUT study shows that food insecurity may be linked to nutritional disparity in global food trade, with high-quality exports and nutrient-poor imports.

Five questions: Professor Andrew Kilding

20 Nov, 2019

We asked Professor Andrew Kilding five questions about his research ahead of his Inaugural Professorial Address.

Healthy homework works

16 Sep, 2019

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

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Great graduatesIsaac AmoahDoctor of PhilosophyHow can food science and nutrition inform the development of a vegetable-enriched bread? Isaac Amoah aims to answer this question through his PhD research.How can food science and nutrition inform the development of a vegetable-enriched bread that is accepted by consumers and has verifiable health claims? PhD student Isaac Amoah, an international student from Ghana and recipient of an AUT Riddet PhD scholarship, aims to answer this question through his doctoral research.

Great graduatesMel JohnstonLecturer, School of Sport and RecreationDoctor of PhilosophyHer fascination with major sport events started at a very young age, says Mel Johnston who has just completed a Doctor of Philosophy exploring this topic.Her fascination with major sport events started at a very young age, says Mel Johnston who has just completed a PhD exploring this topic and will be graduating this August. Mel’s doctoral research was supervised by Dr Michael Naylor from AUT’s School of Sport and Recreation, and Associate Professor Geoff Dickson, a former AUT academic who is now at La Trobe University in Melbourne.

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 graduatesWataru HiramatsuHead Strength and Conditioning Coach, Japan Women’s 15 National Rugby Football Team & Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, Suntory Sungoliath, Tokyo, JapanMaster of Sport and ExerciseComing to AUT for postgraduate study was an easy decision, says Wataru Hiramatsu who works with Japan’s top rugby teams as a strength and conditioning coach.Coming to AUT for postgraduate study was an easy decision, says Wataru Hiramatsu who is now working with Japan Women’s 15 National Rugby Football Team and Suntory Sungoliath as a strength and conditioning coach. Being able to learn from experts in his field was one of the highlights of his studies, Wataru says.

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.

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