Our research focus

Areas of research

All of the College's research takes place in the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living.

The College conducts research in the fields of:

• sport science
• active living across the lifespan
• active living & public health
• clinical exercise science
• muscle & exercise metabolism
• sport in society.

In 2015, Victoria University received a Commonwealth Government Australian Research Council (ARC) ERA rating of 5. This is the highest possible ranking and places us well above world standard in human movement and sports science.

Research students

Research students are affiliated with the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL). Research degree options include all aspects of sport and recreation, exercise science, and physical education.

We provide expert research supervision and welcome enquiries from prospective research students interested in developing new projects. Our innovative approaches, and the breadth and depth of research specialisation, help create an attractive range of postgraduate research options in fields of sport, exercise or active living as part of Masters and Doctoral programs.

For further information about becoming a research student or guidance about possible project areas and supervisors, please contact Associate Professor Andrew Stewart.

Email: andrew.stewart@vu.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 9919 5200

Our researchers

The College's international expertise is recognised through our staff engagement in innovative research projects, teaching programs and industry and community services.

Our staff may provide their expertise as board members, coaches, advisors, editors, contractors, program and conference organisers and invited guest speakers.

Our researchers on the Conversation website

Our staff have been involved in some topical conversations around sport, exercise and topics that are part of their research interests.

The Conversation is an independent source of news and views, sourced from the academic and research community and delivered direct to the public.

Editors from the Conversation work with universities, CSIRO and research institute experts to unlock knowledge for use by the wider public.

Researcher Professor Glenn McConnell

View what some of our staff have been saying on the Conversation:

• Bob Stewart
• Con Hrysomallis
• Damian Farrow
• David Bishop
• David Rouffet
• David Williams
• Dennis Hemphill
• François Billaut
• Georgia Giblin
• Hans Westerbeek
• Ian Syson
• James Zois
• Kevin Ball
• Matt Harvey
• Matthew Klugman
• Mathew Inness
• Michael Burke
• Nigel Stepto
• Nir Eynon
• Richard Baka
• Rob Aughey
• Rob Hess
• Tim Buszard.

Sample research projects

Our research projects often lead to enhanced performance. Here are just a few of them.

Effects of simulated high altitude living

The low-oxygen 'altitude hotel' at Footscray Park Campus offers athletes and medical researchers the opportunity to experience the effects of simulated high altitude living.

Our state-of the-art Altitude Hotel is one of only two facilities in Australia providing simulated high altitude living.

Supplement use in sport

The embedded nature of supplement use in all levels of sport makes knowing where to draw the line a potential hazard for athletes, according to experts.

Professor Bob Stewart's research found that 93% of the 140 research participants in a recent study showed had regularly used supplements in the past 12 months.

Torxtar computerised device for cyclists

VU researchers developed the Torxtar, a computerised device now offering an edge to Australia's elite cyclists.

Dr David Rouffet's research in the Institute for Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL) led to performance improvements of 1% for Australia's top cyclists, including Anna Meares and Shane Perkins, who won sprint gold and sprint bronze respectively at the 2012 London Olympic Games.