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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

Enhancing urban regeneration

15 Sep, 2020

A research team has secured $7.95m to quantify the societal impact of major urban regeneration projects currently taking place across the country.

The lasting impacts of rugby injuries

17 Jul, 2020

A UK study of former rugby players shows they continue to suffer a high ‘injury load’ after retirement from the sport.

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.

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Events

Open day: AUT LIVE online

Tuesday 29 Sep, 5:30pm - Thursday 1 Oct, 7pm

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Great graduatesLesley SommerfieldStudentDoctor of PhilosophyA visit to Auckland confirmed that AUT was the right place for her to complete her PhD in sport, says Lesley Sommerfield who came to AUT from the USA.A visit to Auckland confirmed that AUT was the right place for her to complete her PhD in sport and recreation, says Lesley Sommerfield who came to AUT as an international student from the USA. For her PhD research, Lesley developed an injury prevention programme which she then implemented into the PE curriculum in a girls’ secondary school, aiming to reduce injury risk factors and improve athletic performance.

Great graduatesJosh McGeownStudentDoctor of PhilosophyMild traumatic brain injury or concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury, says Josh McGeown who is currently completing a PhD in sport.Mild traumatic brain injury or concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury, says PhD student Josh McGeown who is researching how to rehabilitate athletes following a concussion. Josh’s PhD research is supervised by AUT’s Professor Patria Hume and Associate Professor Alice Theadom, as well as NZ Rugby scientist Ken Quarrie. His work has already been featured in Sports Medicine – Open.

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 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 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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