Current projects

Dylan in front of computer screens

Preparing the Australian high-performance system to support esports

Lead researcher: Dylan Poulus

Co-investigators:  Dr Kyle Bennett, Dr Job Fransen (University Medical Center Groningen), Associate Professor Patricia Jackman (University of Lincoln), Professor Milena Hiensch (University of Tasmania) and Professor Remco Pulman (Federation University).

Partners: Guinevere Esports

Grant Scheme: Australian Institute of Sport Research Grants Program

Project Summary: Elite esports competition has attracted substantial media attention in recent years due to its potential of becoming an Olympic sport. While it is still a contentious topic, some major sporting committees and federations have included esports within or alongside international events. Given the rapid evolution within esports, the readiness of a nation to develop and refine pathways and underlying systems for high-performance esports athletes will likely impact their achievement at such international competitions. Our project aims to develop an esports performance model that captures the perspective of national and international athletes, coaches, team owners and support staff. The project will have large-scale impact on the Australian esports system and prepare the Australian Institute of Sport to support future esports athletes.

Grant Amount: $36,808

SCU Media Release Game Changer
graphic of runners

Facilitating optimal performance states in elite sprint, power and endurance athletes

Lead researcher: Associate Professor Christian Swann

Co-investigators:  Dr Scott Goddard, Associate Professor Chris Stevens, Dr Matthew Schweickle (University of Wollongong), Associate Professor Stewart Vella (University of Wollongong) and Professor Richard Keegan (University of Canberra)

Partners: Athletics Australia

Grant Scheme: Australian Institute of Sport Research Grants Program

Project Summary: When athletes produce exceptional (e.g., medal-winning) performances, they often experience optimal performance states. Facilitating optimal performance states, and enhancing execution during competition, is therefore a priority within the Australian Institute of Sport’s National High-Performance Sport Research Agenda. However, little is known about how research on optimal performance states should be embedded within high-performance systems to best support athletes to experience those states. In partnership with Athletics Australia, this project is interviewing sport psychologists, coaches, and athletes to understand their perspectives and experiences of optimal performance states, as well as identifying priorities to guide the future research agenda and enable better translation of research into practice. In turn, this project will inform Athletics Australia’s approach to athlete support in relation to optimal performance states, with the ultimate aim of increasing the frequency of exceptional performances in major competitions. 

Grant Amount: $49,599

SCU Media Release PASER