Leaders and experts from Australia’s preeminent academic institutions, sporting organisations, business and technology sectors, and local, state and federal governments, came together to identify research opportunities and priorities in Australian sport.

The 33-member Advisory Group agreed to collaborate, coordinate and promote the national research effort targeting policy challenges, defining research priorities and improving connectivity with research partners, sports and funding bodies.

Australian Institute of Sport Chief Science Officer, Paolo Menaspa, says Australian sport stands ready to take advantage of a new wave of scientific and research engagement.

“The NSRA provides a unique opportunity to provide greater exposure of our research priorities in sport and human performance, potentially attracting interest and investment from adjacent sectors and industries as Australia looks to host the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Dr Menaspa said.

Professor of Sport Science at Victoria University and Federation University, Rochelle Eime, says it is important to be across strategic developments in community level sport research to understand how sports can innovate to attract more participants.

“The translation of quality research findings into practice plays an important role in helping our sector better understand the influences of community sport participation,” Professor Eime said.

“This will enable more Australians to unlock the benefits of sport and physical activity.”

The ASC is working closely with its partners, through the Clearinghouse for Sport (Clearinghouse), to provide guidance and support to this group but will rely on the group’s collective influence to lead the sector towards priority areas of research for Australian sport.

The NSRA will make the agreed research priorities visible to more industry stakeholders across Australia and improve alignment and efficiency of research investment and effort. The Register of Sport Research will also improve the visibility of research projects across the sector and contribute to expanding the evidence base for sport.

To learn more about the NSRA and to see the full list of Advisory Group members, please visit the Clearinghouse for Sport.