UON conference offers ‘out of this world’ insight into where sport and technology collide

A conference exploring the exciting future of blending sports and technology was hosted by the University of Northampton.

On 27 March, close to 100 delegates attended the Sport and Exercise Research Conference, hosted at the University of Northampton’s Waterside campus.

The conference focused on the vast scope of possibilities for blending sports with technology, offered networking opportunities, and gave attendees the chance to explore current research in the field of sports technology from industry experts.

Representatives from Northampton Town Football Club and Northampton Swimming offered industry insights and potential career pathways, while the University’s Lecturer in Esports, Dr Lucy Zhu led an introductory taster session on Esports as a profession and degree offering.

As well as opening the conference to attendees from across the country, some of the University of Northampton’s very own students presented their current research and final-year dissertation projects.

One such student, Aleksandra Kruk, said: “After several months of data collection for my final-year research project, I was excited to be able to present my findings at UON’s Sport and Exercise Conference. Throughout the past few months, I have definitely learnt a lot about the importance of research and it’s process.

“Hearing from guest speaker Dr Phil Price (Course Lead for the MSc in Strength and Conditioning at St Mary’s University) was really inspiring and insightful, as he spoke about his project of designing gym equipment for the main space station. It really opened my eyes to how broad the world of sport and exercise is, as he explained the unique route of working with astronauts and the effects of microgravity on the human body.”

UON’s Lecturer in Sport Management, Dr Carmen Horvat reflected on the success of the conference, and said: “It was fantastic to see so many attend our conference, and show a real passion for understanding and exploring the future of sports.

“Sporting technology – and Esports in particular – is a rapidly progressing industry and field of research, and we’re seeing an increasing level of interest from those keen to pursue careers in this area.

“Here at the University of Northampton, we’re very proud of our innovative approaches to blending sports with technology – which we integrate as part of our undergraduate degree modules – and the conference‘s impressive attendance is testament to the demand and interest from young people – the innovators of our future.”

Find out more about studying Esports, Sports Coaching, Sport Management and Leadership, Physical Education and Sport, Sport Rehabilitation and Conditioning and Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Northampton.