ECU wins Olympic selection to study sport injury prevention

Edith Cowan University’s (ECU) new research centre is one of only 11 worldwide to be selected by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to study the prevention and treatment of sports injuries and illness.

The Australian Centre for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention (ACRISP), a joint initiative between ECU and La Trobe University, will work with national and international sports bodies to translate elite-level research into practical advancements for sport and public health.

IOC Medical and Scientific Commission Chair and IOC Vice-President Professor Uğur Erdener commented “these centres have all demonstrated that they are at the forefront of research in sports medicine and are committed to our shared goal of ensuring sportsmen and women can perform at their best level with minimal risks to their health."

ECU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and ACRISP Director Professor Caroline Finch said the announcement was a significant endorsement of the University’s sports medicine research.

Professor Finch stated “it’s exciting to be part of this elite group of international research centres delivering groundbreaking insights and new knowledge in the area of sports medicine.

“ECU has a strong focus on injury and health surveillance, bone health, women’s sport and preventative medicine. Our findings not only benefit elite athletes but everybody who plays sport.”

New PhD scholarships

ACRISP has announced two new PhD scholarships for research relating to injury surveillance and injury prevention in sport.

Professor Finch added “participation in sport and active recreation is an important element of meeting public health goals, but injuries can be a barrier towards safe and sustained activity.

“The recipients of these scholarships will be fortunate to be studying among this elite band of research centres formally recognised by the IOC.”

More information about the scholarships is available here.