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Research in sport and recreation

Ranked in the top 27 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.

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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 in Mairangi Bay.

AUT Millennium website

Explore our research expertise

AUT's academic supervisors are recognised world-class researchers who have the expert knowledge to guide you throughout your studies.

_{If you’re interested in applying to a PhD or MPhil, email doctoral.and.mphil.admissions@aut.ac.nz first to assess your eligibility for the programme.}

Our academics 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 academics 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 academics 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

Top play – it's all in the eyes

01 Dec, 2021

AUT research at the U21 Hockey World Cup taking place in India aims to improve player decision-making and provide more goal opportunities.

New Professors and Associate Professors

01 Nov, 2021

Eight AUT academics have been promoted to the position of Professor, and a further 22 have been appointed as Associate Professors.

Gender gap cut — sports club governance

04 Oct, 2021

Females in Kiwi sports clubs was a focus of this year's National Sport Club Survey, with some positive results, says AUT researcher Dr Mel Johnston.

AUT partners with Drug Free Sport NZ

30 Sep, 2021

Drug Free Sport NZ has announced a new research partnership with AUT to design and evaluate a world-class education programme on anti-doping.

AUT climbs up the global rankings

02 Sep, 2021

AUT continues to climb up the global university rankings joining the University of Otago in second place in NZ and the top 250 universities in the world.

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Great graduatesJames FarrMaster of PhilosophyHow can we help female youth football players avoid injuries and perform at their best? That’s the interesting topic James Farr is currently investigating.How can we help female youth football players avoid injuries and perform at their best? That’s the interesting topic James Farr is investigating for his Master of Philosophy in sport and exercise. James’ research is being supervised by Professor Mike McGuigan and Dr Chris Whatman from AUT’s School of Sport and Recreation.

Great graduatesWataru HiramatsuHead Strength and Conditioning Coach, Japan Women’s 15 National Rugby Football Team & 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 graduatesTom CooperBachelor of Sport and Recreation
Master of Sport, Exercise and HealthFor Tom Cooper, a conversation with a lecturer in his first year at university would prove to be life-changing and help him discover a new passion.For Tom Cooper, a conversation with a lecturer in his first year at university would prove to be life-changing and help him discover a new passion; youth sport. It’s a topic that has fascinated him ever since, and for his Master of Sport, Exercise and Health Tom is now focusing on youth football. His master’s degree research is supervised by Associate Professor Chris Whatman from AUT’s School of Sport and Recreation.

Great graduatesCesar MeylanHead of Physical Performance, Canada Soccer, Vancouver, CanadaDoctor of PhilosophyWhat he loves most about his job is contributing to the success of a team, says Dr Cesar Meylan who is now the head of physical performance for Canada Soccer.What he loves most about his job is contributing to the success of a team, says sport and recreation alumnus Dr Cesar Meylan who is now the head of physical performance for Canada Soccer, based in Vancouver. The integration of research and high performance sport is one of the things that impressed Cesar most about his time at AUT.

Great graduatesTeigan BondBachelor of Sport and Recreation
Master of Sport, Exercise and HealthShe feels fortunate to work closely with New Zealand Cricket for her master’s degree research, says Master of Sport, Exercise and Health student Teigan.She feels fortunate to be able to work closely with New Zealand Cricket for her master’s degree research, says Teigan Bond who is currently studying a Master of Sport, Exercise and Health, specialising in Sport Leadership and Management. Teigan says gender disparity in sport leadership is a topic she has been passionate about since she first heard about the issue as an undergraduate student.

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