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Research in sport and recreation

Ranked in the top 50 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. Former discus world champion Beatrice Faumuina, New Zealand Cricket and the Silver Ferns have all benefited from Professor Cronin’s expertise. 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 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 Elaine Rush Professor of Nutrition An internationally recognised research leader with expertise in nutrition, energy expenditure, physical activity and the measurement of body composition, Professor Elaine Rush is a champion for the multi-ethnic communities she works with. An internationally recognised research leader with expertise in nutrition, energy expenditure, physical activity and the measurement of body composition, Professor Elaine Rush is a champion for the multi-ethnic communities she works with. She leads the AUT Food Network and provides academic leadership for Project Energize, a multimillion dollar regional health programme that has improved nutrition and physical activity in schools.

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

THE world university rankings for AUT 2019

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.

AUT number one for sport science in NZ

26 Oct, 2018

New rankings place AUT as New Zealand’s top university for sport science.

THE rankings place AUT in NZ top three

27 Sep, 2018

AUT has significantly improved in global university rankings published today by the Times Higher Education.

Five questions: Professor Erica Hinckson

21 Sep, 2018

We asked Professor of Physical Activity and the Environment Erica Hinckson five questions at the time of her Inaugural Professorial Address.

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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

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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 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 graduatesIain ClelandHead Strength and Conditioning Coach, Section Paloise Rugby, Top 14 FranceMaster of PhilosophyBeing able to learn from some of New Zealand’s top sport and recreation experts is what drew him to AUT, says Iain Cleland who studied a Master of Philosophy.Being able to learn from some of New Zealand’s top sport and recreation experts is what drew him to AUT, says Iain Cleland. He enjoyed being challenged and being able to discuss his ideas with some of the best in the business. For his Master of Philosophy thesis, Iain drew on his background in rugby union, exploring sleep extension and recovery in rugby union players.

Great graduatesSamuel McKenzieJunior Coach Development Manager, Auckland Rugby UnionMaster of Sport and ExerciseSamuel McKenzie, who works for the Auckland Rugby Union, decided to enrol in the Master of Sport and Exercise to complement his career in sport development.How do youth athletes perceive their coaching and how does this affect their experience of sport? That’s the interesting topic Samuel McKenzie is exploring for his Master of Sport and Exercise. He chose this topic because he has an interest in the experiences of youth in sport and how the coach impacts on this.

Great graduatesWataru HiramatsuMaster of Sport and ExerciseComing to AUT for postgraduate study was an easy decision, says Wataru Hiramatsu who dreams of working as a rugby strength and conditioning coach one day.Coming to AUT for postgraduate study was an easy decision, says Wataru Hiramatsu who dreams of working as a rugby strength and conditioning coach one day. Being able to learn from experts in his field has been one of the highlights of his studies, Wataru says. He enjoys being able to access the facilities at AUT Millennium, and learning from high-profile guest speakers.

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