Next-generation soccer boot design for optimising biomechanics and physical performance

About the project

Develop the next generation of soccer boots

If you are excited about building a career in biomechanics and keen to make an immediate impact in the sports industry, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within the Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA) research centre, in partnership with ASICS, Research & Development (Global Division).

Soccer is the most popular organised sport in Australia, with over 1.7 million participants. Soccer boots are arguably the most important piece of equipment for athletes, affecting performance, comfort, and injury risk. The market size for soccer boots was around $18.3 billion in 2023. 

We will work with industry partner ASICS to investigate the role of new soccer boot design features in altering physical performance, lower limb biomechanics and athlete comfort/acceptability. This project will be at the forefront of athletic footwear innovation, involving research that is both conceptually and methodologically novel to inform new waves of product development.

You will be based within the ARENA research centre, which is an exceptional, and the only, research environment for sport science research at UniSA. You will have access to state-­of-­the-­art facilities in sports biomechanics, physiology, and physical performance testing. 

This is a unique opportunity to work alongside a leading industry partner, ASICS. The combination of research and application offered by this project will give you an enviable edge in the job market. 

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will work with experts in biomechanics, sport science, and athletic footwear to address an area of unmet need that will have an immediate impact on industry practice.

You will acquire a breadth and depth of knowledge and experience that will help launch your career in industry or research. Working with such an important global industry partner, you will also have the opportunity to build a strong professional network. 

Where you’ll be based

You will be based in Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA). We investigate the role of exercise, nutrition, and other lifestyle activities in improving clinical and health outcomes. Physical, psychological and sports performance in populations is studied across a wide cross-section of society, ranging from children to elite athletes and people with chronic disease.

Our research focus "Healthy lives through healthy living" centres around the grand challenge of tackling the growing epidemic of chronic diseases. We focus on real-world issues and bring bold ideas to create solutions which optimise health, function and wellbeing.

Our mission is to be the leading Australian voice on a global stage by championing research in exercise, nutrition, preventative health and other lifestyle behaviours across the lifespan. We work with diverse research partners, end-users and our communities to identify and evaluate solutions, and translate these outcomes into products and changes in policy and practice. Financial Support  

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $32,500 per annum is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $52,352 (2025 rate) per annum. A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Eligibility and Selection 

This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. 

Additionally applicants must meet the project selection criteria: 

• Bachelor’s degree with Honours or a Master’s degree in Exercise & Sport Science, Allied Health (e.g. Podiatry, Physiotherapy) Biomedical or Mechanical Engineering. 
• Completion of one of the above degrees with a significant research component in either biomechanics, human movement science or exercise science. 
• Knowledge and understanding of athletic footwear biomechanics 
• Permanent residency or Australian citizenship allowing commencement of PhD candidate in Q1 of 2025.

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our City East Campus in the east of Adelaide. 

Essential Dates 

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Wednesday, 4 December.