Research in sport and recreation

Ranked in the top 30 in the world, AUT is globally known for its leading sport and exercise science research. Our research covers sport and activity-related areas, as well as performance, nutrition, coaching and human potential.

We're proud to be the home of New Zealand's top sport and fitness facility, AUT Millennium, and the Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ) is New Zealand’s number one sports research institute.

Institutes, centres and networks

Research archive

Research degrees

News
Pregnant runner
AUT Staff
AUT Student
Marsden fund receptionists
Lesley Ferkins
News pattern
Pregnant runner
Pregnant runners' pain varies
15 Apr, 2024
A new study has found key differences in the pain of pregnant runners, depending on whether they’ve previously had children.
AUT Staff
AUT Tech to be used at Manu Championship
14 Dec, 2023
In January the Manu World Championships will introduce new AUT developed technology to make for a better competition.
AUT Student
Are super shoes key to winning the race?
14 Dec, 2023
Super shoes, aka carbon shoes have sparked conversations around whether they should be banned by World Athletics in marathons.
Marsden fund receptionists
Marsden success for AUT
03 Nov, 2023
A range of groundbreaking research projects have received funding in the 2023 Marsden Fund.
Lesley Ferkins
Lesley Ferkins honoured by SMAANZ
18 Nov, 2022
Professor Lesley Ferkins has been named the Sport Management Association of Australia and New Zealand (SMAANZ) Distinguished Service Award winner.
View all news

QS Subject Ranked

AUT Millennium

Our researchers work on key national projects at AUT Millennium, our world-class sports training and research facility in Mairangi Bay.

AUT Millennium website

Explore our research expertise

AUT's academic supervisors are recognised world-class researchers who have the expert knowledge to guide you throughout your studies.

If you’re interested in applying to a PhD or MPhil, email doctoral.and.mphil.admissions@aut.ac.nz first to assess your eligibility for the programme.

Tanuj Wadhi
José Antonio Martínez-Rodríguez
Jeff Rothschild
Lucy Jacobs
Linden Moore
Tanuj Wadhi
Great graduatesTanuj WadhiDoctor of PhilosophyHow can artificial intelligence help optimise athlete health and performance? That’s the interesting topic Tanuj Wadhi is exploring for his PhD in sport science.How can artificial intelligence help optimise athlete health and performance? That’s the interesting topic Tanuj Wadhi is exploring for his PhD in sport science.
Read full story
José Antonio Martínez-Rodríguez
Great graduatesJosé Antonio Martínez-RodríguezDoctor of PhilosophyFor his PhD in sport science he is investigating how baseball players can improve their base running efficiency, says José Antonio Martínez-Rodríguez.For his PhD in sport science he is investigating how baseball players can improve their base running efficiency, says José Antonio Martínez-Rodríguez.
Read full story
Jeff Rothschild
Great graduatesJeff RothschildPerformance Nutritionist, High Performance Sport New ZealandDoctor of PhilosophyHe thoroughly enjoys his role as a performance nutritionist at High Performance Sport New Zealand, says Dr Jeff Rothschild who came to AUT to study a PhD.He thoroughly enjoys his role as a performance nutritionist at High Performance Sport New Zealand, says Dr Jeff Rothschild who came to AUT to study a PhD.
Read full story
Lucy Jacobs
Great graduatesLucy JacobsExercise Physiologist, High Performance Sport New ZealandMaster of Sport, Exercise and HealthSPRINZ is an awesome place to do higher study, says Lucy Jacobs who came to AUT to complete a Master of Sport and Exercise; a qualification she completed in 2023.SPRINZ is an awesome place to do higher study, says Lucy Jacobs who came to AUT to complete a Master of Sport and Exercise; a qualification she completed in 2023.
Read full story
Linden Moore
Great graduatesLinden MooreDoctor of PhilosophyThe topic of ambassadorship resonates deeply with her, says Linden Moore who is exploring ambassadorship in women’s and girls’ sport for her Doctor of Philosophy.The topic of ambassadorship resonates deeply with her, says Linden Moore who is exploring ambassadorship in women’s and girls’ sport for her Doctor of Philosophy.
Read full story
View more
Back to top