The lecture will explore Professor Irwin's research philosophy, which is underpinned by a desire to understand and explain sporting performance using grounded scientific methods to address meaningful questions that inform researchers, clinicians coaches, and performers.

Two main themes will be explored: the coaching biomechanics-interface and sports medicine. Examples from specific projects in gymnastics, athletics and football will highlight the benefits of collaboration with national and international researchers in closely related disciplines.

The first theme examines research questions aimed at making training more effective and efficient, and ultimately embedding scientific rigour within the coaching environment. The second focuses on the work by sports clinicians through an examination of the underlying mechanisms associated with injury. In particular it seeks to examine internal and external loading associated with abnormal segmental orientations.

By combining biomechanics and motor learning, questions addressing the nature of skill development will be considered. Questions focusing on training drill selection, chronology of learning complex skills, and variety and consistency in the execution of a skill by elite performers.

Variability in performance consistently challenges our understanding of the use of feedback in coaching and skill development. Questions that will be explored during this lecture include:
1) What is the influence of technique selection on performance and injury?

2) What are the best ways of developing skills?

3) What influence does the physical environment have on player performance?

Professor Irwin's continuing aim is to ensure that the work has ecological validity, which challenges the experimental processes but strengthens the transfer of research findings into practical settings and applications.

Professor Gareth Irwin

Gareth undertook his first degree at Cardiff Institute of Higher Education in 1994 (UWIC / Cardiff Metropolitan University), where he graduated with BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Sciences. He started his lecturing career at UWIC in 1998 and gained his PhD in Sports Biomechanics from the University of Bath in 2005.

In 2000 he was awarded a Senior Lecturing position and later promoted to Principal Lecturer (2006) followed by a Readership (2010). Gareth's research has achieved
awards Nationally (Trustees of Headley Court, 2007 and BASES Emerging Researcher Medal 2009), and Internationally (Hans Gros New Investigator Award, 2006). In 2009 Gareth was awarded Fellow of International Society of Biomechanics in Sport. In 2013 he received his personal chair from Cardiff Metropolitan
University and has recently been awarded a visiting Professorship at the University
of Ostrava, Czech Republic. Professor Irwin has developed and managed a
research group that consists of 8 PhD students, 3 post doctorial researchers, 3 full
time members of staff and an emeritus Professor. Within the group he has
developed systems to enhance the student experience and facilitate the creation of
a rich research culture.

Professor Irwin has built formal research collaborations with
world leading groups in the UK and across the globe, with international partners
engaging in research internships, and research visits to the lab. He has been
successful in securing research funding as a co-applicant (£4m) and since 2012 as a
principal investigator (£500k). Professor Irwin has 130 peer-reviewed publications
and has delivered 30 National and International invited presentations. He reviews
for the research councils and many academic journals and is on the editorial teams
for Sports Biomechanics, Technology, and the Journal of Sports Sciences. Professor
Irwin has recently been elected to President of the International Society of
Biomechanics in Sport.

Click here to book online.

Places are free of charge on a first come, first serve basis and are open to the General Public. Cardiff Metropolitan University operates a 24 hour parking system - please pay and display 50p on the evening of the lecture.

To book your place on any of the Cardiff Metropolitan University Professorial and Inaugural Lectures or Public Lectures, please complete the online booking form or contact: Caryn Blunt, Tel: 029 2041 6052 or email: pandilectures@cardiffmet.ac.uk