Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has secured two grants totaling $2.27 million to train a group of sports data scientists, addressing the evolving challenges faced by Australia’s sports tech sector. The funding, facilitated by CSIRO’s Next Generation Graduates program, will support 25 graduate students in engaging with industry-led research projects, internships, and specialized training.
Led by Distinguished Professor Kerrie Mengersen and Dr Paul Wu from the QUT Centre for Data Science, the multi-disciplinary research team is gearing up to meet the escalating demand for data in sports, especially with Brisbane set to host the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.
Australia’s sports tech industry, generating up to $4.5 billion in revenue, encompasses over 600 companies employing over 10,000 individuals. The funded programs, in collaboration with research partners like the University of New South Wales (UNSW), aim to bolster capabilities to address the analytical challenges brought about by emerging sport technologies.
Dr Wu emphasized the increasing opportunities and complexities arising from the proliferation of data, video, and sensor technologies in sports. The research endeavors will concentrate on developing data-driven tools to enhance health and performance in both community and elite sports, providing a competitive edge for the upcoming Olympics.
QUT researchers are already collaborating with prominent sports organizations such as the Australian Institute of Sports (AIS), the Queensland Academy of Sports (QAS), and others, focusing on projects related to advancing data analytics practices and race profiling.
Aaron Quigley, Science Director of CSIRO’s Data61, highlighted the transformative role this cohort of sports tech specialists can play in athlete health and performance. The NGGP AI Grant involves research partners like the Australian Institute of Sport, Cricket NSW, Queensland Academy of Sport, among others. The NGGP ET Grant includes partners like Mitosportz, Paddle Australia, Queensland Rugby Union/Queensland Reds, and others.
