Designed to Adapt: Breast Health, Innovation, and Return to Movement for Women

A roundtable discussion as part of the IAS Spotlight 'Women in Sport' - Key Speaker: IAS Visiting Fellow Professor Deidre McGhee Discussants: Dr Rebecca Grant, Dr Aimee Mears, Dr Kelsie Johnson This session explores the critical intersection of breast health, sports bras, and protective innovation, highlighting how medicine and engineering are coming together to support women and girls in sport. From biomechanical research and clinical insights to cutting-edge design and material science, the conversation will delve into how tailored support solutions are being developed to enhance performance, reduce injury risk, and empower women of all ages. Special attention will be given to pregnancy and postpartum populations, addressing the unique physiological changes and support needs during these life stages, and how thoughtful design and evidence-based approaches can facilitate a safe and confident return to sport and physical activity. By bridging disciplines and centring female physiology, this work is redefining what it means to be truly supported in movement. Discussion Areas Will Include: How biomechanical and clinical research is informing the next generation of breast support technologies. How sports bra design can be reimagined through user-centred, evidence-based, and inclusive approaches. How pregnancy and postpartum transitions challenge conventional support paradigms—and what innovation looks like in response. How interdisciplinary collaboration can accelerate the translation of research into real-world products, policies, and practices. This session will highlight the importance of centring female physiology in sport science and design, and will explore how thoughtful, adaptive solutions can empower women to move with confidence, comfort, and safety—at every stage of life.