The Sports Engineering Podcast

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we break down Formula One’s huge 2026 rule changes and what they could mean for the future of racing. We cover their 50/50 split between electric and combustion power, lighter chassis, new overtaking systems, sustainable fuels, and major manufacturers like Ford Motor Company, Audi, Honda and Cadillac entering the sport. Why Formula One is undergoing one of its biggest engineering overhauls in decades. Will these changes make racing more tactical, more sustainable, and more competitive or are fans right to be nervous?

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we’re joined by International Sports Engineering Association (ISEA) President Professor Lloyd Smith to preview the upcoming ISEA 2026 Conference in Washington State (June 1st-4th). We break down what the conference is, why it matters in the world of sports engineering, and what attendees can expect, from key themes like equipment, biomechanics, and data analytics, to lab tours and even a chance to try out a pitching robot. We also dive into what students, researchers, and industry professionals can gain from attending, including networking opportunities and career insights.Whether you’re already planning to attend or just curious about what a sports engineering conference looks like, this episode gives you everything you need to know.

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we go Off the Clock again this week to explore the new face of sports gear, where engineering, data, and performance claims are starting to take centre stage over traditional athlete endorsements. We unpack how consumers are becoming more informed and more focused on what products actually do for them. As technology becomes the story, we discuss what this shift means for athletes, brands, and the future of sports innovation.

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we sit down with Professor Manish Tewari and Dr. Lulu Xu to explore how nature is inspiring the next generation of smart textiles. We cover the fields inspiration from butterfly wings and lotus leaves and dive into how tiny structures can unlock huge performance gains. We discuss how textiles are evolving from passive materials into active systems, capable of sensing, monitoring, and even transforming how we collect data in sport. Could your kit soon replace the lab? And how do we balance performance with sustainability as we move away from traditional materials?

In this Off the Clock episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast , we explore how technology is transforming the way we watch sport and why fans might be ready for more control. When you consider augmented reality overlays, virtual advertising, evolving camera systems and advanced performance stats, modern broadcasts are more engineered than ever. But with so much happening on screen, are we actually getting closer to the game, or further away from it?

In this special episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we revisit one big question: What is the future of sports engineering?This time, we bring together the voices of our next 13 incredible guests, each offering their own perspective on where the field is heading. It’s fascinating to hear how different backgrounds, industries, and experiences lead to both shared themes and completely unique predictions.We’re incredibly grateful to all of our guests for their time, expertise, and passion. And to you, our listeners, thank you for being part of this journey.

In this episode, we explore the idea that modern sports technology is often designed for elite athletes but marketed to everyone. Many recreational athletes are using the same innovations as the pros, but are they actually benefiting from them? We discuss whether the culture of “all the gear, no idea” says more about marketing than performance.

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we speak with Dr Will Dawber, a Research Associate at Imperial College London’s Head Lab, about how engineers study brain injury and what that means for helmet design, road safety, and beyond. From testing riot police helmets to modelling child brain injury in cycling crashes, Will explains how biomechanics, simulations, and impact testing are helping researchers better understand how the brain responds to force. We also explore the Vision Zero movement, the challenges of defining and diagnosing concussion, and how sports engineering methods are increasingly being used to tackle safety problems far outside sport.

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we go a little off the clock and rewind to where it all started. We reflect on the experiences that shaped us long before sports engineering did. We talk team culture, referees, leadership, unforgettable coaches, attitude over talent, and the lessons sport teaches you that can’t always be measured. A slightly more personal one this week, but one that explains exactly how we got here.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Matt Head to explore the world of performance footwear design and the engineering innovation behind the shoes we run in. We cover the world of design and brand heritage and Matt shares insights from his experience at brands including HOKA, The North Face, inov8, and Reebok. We discuss how running shoes have evolved from stirrup-inspired designs to modern carbon-plated super shoes, the balance between aesthetics, comfort and performance, and what it really takes to turn a bold concept into a product athletes trust.

In this Off the Clock episode, we dive into the controversial return of the Battle of the Sexes and unpack the 2025 showdown. We delve into the debate about rule ammendments including the 9% court size reduction, single-serve rules and the tie-break finale format, we explore the science, strategy, and psychology behind the amendments and ask the bigger question: is fairness in sport about equal rules, equal opportunity, or an equal chance of winning?

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we spokewith Dr Tom Allen, Reader in Mechanical Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University, about the realities of developing safety standards in sport and what it really takes to create meaningful change. We discuss the slow and oftencomplex process of updating standards and the varied perspectives of academics, industry, and governing bodies. The conversation also explores inclusive design, accessibility beyond elite sport, sustainability in equipment development, and why collaboration and constructive debate are essential for progress.

In this Off the Clock episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we turn our attention to the Winter Olympics and the question of who actually gets to take part. We discuss why winter sports are so heavily dependent on technology and facilities, how medal tables highlight a concentration of success in a small number of countries, and whether artificial venues, shared infrastructure, or alternative hosting models could make winter sport more accessible.

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we’re joined by Ben and Marta, co-founders of NUINO, to explore sustainability in sports footwear and why the industry’s focus on end-of-life solutions may be missing a crucial step. Drawing on their experience in elite footwear development,manufacturing, and repair, they unpack how modern shoes are built, why they fail, and what happens when recycling becomes the default answer. The conversation challenges hype culture offering a different perspective rooted indurability, repairability, and extending product life. From design decisions to consumer behaviour, this episode asks a simple but often overlooked question: have you ever considered repair?

In this Off the Clock episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we attempt to wrap up 2025 by reflecting on the sports engineering innovations that defined the year. From electronic line calling in tennis and emerging safety tech like airbag helmets and Guardian Caps, to smart eyewear, and automated officiating, while also debating where technology helped, where it frustrated fans, and what breakthroughs (and buzzwords) we hope to see shape sport in 2026.

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast to kick off the new year, we're joined by Dr. Mike Sonne, pitching scientist for the Chicago Cubs, to explore how biomechanics and workload science are changing modern baseball. Mike breaks down fatigue units, the limits of pitch counts, and why today’s game has moved beyond the iconoc 'Moneyball' film into a new era of performance-focused analytics, sharing insights on keeping pitchers healthy while maximising performance.

If you want to get angry at us this is the episode to do it. In this one, we join forces to come up with some rule changes to some of the most loved sports in the world. Consider this our formal apology in advance...

On this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we wrap up the year with Dr Janie Cournoyer by delving into one of the most challenging problems in sports medicine: diagnosing head injuries. We explore why concussions are so difficult to identify, measure, and manage, and unpack how the brain’s ability to compensate complicates both diagnosis and decision-making. We discuss how engineers and clinicians navigate the grey space between objective data and subjective symptoms, reflecting on what we can measure, what we can’t, and why understanding that gap matters.

In this Off the Clock episode we dive into the topic of footballs. In light of the new World Cup ball release, we debate whether footballs have favoured strikers over goalkeepers, if men’s and women’s tournaments should use the same ball, and how weather, altitude, and smart technology can give us a lot to talk about...

This week on The Sports Engineering Podcast, we sit down with Associate Professor of Orthopaedics Dr. Katie Rizzone to explore one of the most overlooked yet essential pieces of sports equipment: the sports bra. From the chaos of inconsistent sizing and runaway bra pads to the deeper engineering challenges behind product development, Katie brings an honest clinical perspective shaped by daily patient care and research.

In this Off the Clock we head over to Canada (virtually) where the CFL is rolling out major rule changes, and fans aren’t sure what to make of it. We explore whether these shifts actually help the sport, or simply tamper with tradition, and look at other games that have reinvented themselves...for better or worse.

In this episode, we sat our hot pants down with Professor George Havenith from Loughborough University. We chatted about everything from sweaty spines to heated cycling trousers, uncovering why body temperature matters far more than you think. If you have ever wondered about the world of engineered apparel and the science driving its evolution, this is the one for you.

Strap in or clip into this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast where we talk about urban planning. From Amsterdam’s cycling utopia to the “concrete jungles” of North America, we explore how city design influences the way we move, play, and live. Can better bike lanes really make healthier, more active communities? And what can sports engineering teach us about building cities that move as well as we do?

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we dive into the science of performance with Dr. Assaf Yogev, exercise physiologist, coach, and research scientist at Arc’teryx. From cycling and muscle oxygenation to the future of wearables, we discuss how near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides real-time insight into muscle oxygenation and athletic performance. We also explore the balance between lab research and real-world application, how human-centric design drives innovation in outdoor gear, and why the best engineering starts from the inside out.

Is the future of sport in the stadium… or on the sofa? In this episode, we explore how technology, comfort, and convenience are reshaping the fan experience. It’s time to decide: will the next generation of fans turn up, or just tune in?

We decided to take stock this week and reminsce about some of the episodes we've already got in the locker. This is our 30th Episode so we celebrated that by talking about the themes and threads that weave our seemingly independent guest episodes together to tell one big sports engineering story. Also if you're new, we hope this helps to guide you towards the episodes that interest you most.

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we explore how patents and design protection shape the evolution of sports technology. Including cutting-edge footwear and wearable tech and the blurred line between inspiration and imitation, the legal and engineering battles that define how we innovate gets unpacked here. Join us as we look at how ideas become intellectual property in the fast-moving world of sports engineering.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kat Okholm Kryger from UEFA to explore the playful, powerful, and sometimes misunderstood world of women’s football. From myth-busting ACL injuries to why football boots don’t always fit, Kat takes us through her unique journey bridging medicine, engineering, and the beautiful game. We dive into the “Give the Voice Back” project (link below), chat about what happens when athletes tell their own stories, and discover why keeping the human at the heart of our work matters most.Link: Giving the voice back: Shaping the future of ACL injury research | UEFA.com

In this Off the Clock episode, we dive into the technology that is shaping athlete safety. We cover instrumented mouth guards in rugby, smartwatches in the NHL, GPS vests in football, and even airbag apparel in motorsport.

In this episode, we dive into the hidden world of F1 aerodynamics with Dr Conor Crickmore from Atlassian Williams Racing. We get to know how engineers make the invisible visible and why sometimes it’s the water, not the air, that’s really in control. We explore tire spray, wind tunnels, CFD, and the tiny aerodynamic tweaks that play with a tenth of a second.

In this episode of the Sports Engineering Podcast, we explore how weather shapes the world of sport. From legendary matches decided by rain and altitude to modern innovations like retractable roofs and self-adjusting cleats. We discuss the engineering solutions that protect athlete performance, the role of technology in ensuring fair play, and how home field advantage can be influenced by the elements.

What makes hurling the fastest game on grass so electrifying? The players, the pace, or the stick itself? In this episode, Managing Director of Torpey, Seán Torpey takes us inside the craft and science of the hurley. From ancient roots to modern innovations, we explore how design, materials, and ingenuity shape performance on the pitch. Links: https://www.gaaplus.ie/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqQPAoIgD6Yhttps://torpey.ie/

From wearables to performance tracking, there more data than ever before. But should we be protecting young athletes from all the metrics? In this episode, we unpack the balance between using technology to help athletes grow and making sure the data doesn’t hold them back.

What really makes a fast bowler quick? Raw strength, flawless technique, or something in between? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Paul Felton from Nottingham Trent University to explore the science (and myths) behind pace bowling. From a day spent with Shane Warne to how science is shaping the next generation of fast bowlers.

In this special Off the Clock episode of the Sports Engineering Podcast, we chat with Davide Saracco, founder of Boots Culture, the go-to hub for football boot fans, about design, trends, and the stories behind the game’s most iconic gear.https://bootsculture.com/@bootsculture

In this special episode, we bring together the voices of our first 14 incredible guests as they answer one big question:"What is the future of sports engineering?"From cutting-edge technology and big data, to inclusivity and sustainability, you'll hear a diverse range of insights and predictions that paint an exciting picture of where the field is headed.We're deeply grateful to each of our guests for sharing their expertise, perspectives, and passion. And to you, our listeners, we sincerely thank you for joining us on this journey so far.We are just getting started...

Just a bit of fun... until it isn’t.In this episode, we dive into the world of sports betting, from the jeopardy of fantasy leagues to sponsorship saturation. We chat shirt ads, player bans, emotional stakes, and the blurry line between passion and problem.Bet responsibly, listen freely.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dave Cole from the Science and Technology Department at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) ahead of Wimbledon 2025 to explore the science and engineering behind one of the world’s most technologically advanced sports. From the rigorous testing of rackets, balls, and court surfaces to the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, this episode offers a rare look at how the ITF keeps tennis both consistent and cutting-edge.

From breakdancing and flag football to the hopes of eSports and dodgeball, this episode dives into how the Olympics is courting the next generation. We explore the clash between tradition and relevance, the rise of innovation and engineering, and why storytelling might matter more than medals.

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we have surf engineer Professor Marc in het Panhhuis discussing the intersection of surfing and engineering, exploring the evolution of surfboards including making his own 3D printed fins, and the innovations around taking measurements in the middle of the ocean.

This week, it's all about the chaos, the confusion, and the controversy surrounding VAR. From endless replays to hair-splitting offsides, we break down how technology is impacting sport and whether it is worth it.

In this episode, Professor Lloyd Smith, the president of the International Sports Engineering Association (ISEA) talked to us about the evolution of sports engineering, the infamous torpedo bat in baseball and the upcoming ISEA conference in 2026.

In this second 'Off the Clock' episode, we delve into the latest trends in sports equipment, discussing the implications of sock design, shin pad functionality, the use of tape and compression gear, and the rise of grip socks. Most importantly, we explore how superstition continues to shape athletes' choices.

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, Dr. Curtis Hooper shares insights into the science of bowling, discussing the importance of oil patterns, spin rate, and the mathematics behind optimal bowling techniques.

In episode 1 of this new series 'Off the clock', we delve into the phenomenon of consumption culture in sports, particularly focusing on the rapid release of new footwear models. We discuss the implications of this trend on consumer behaviour, marketing strategies, and the environmental impact of producing so many products.

In this episode, we slide into the age-old debate between natural grass and artificial turf. We explore how sports surfaces are evolving in response to environmental pressures and athlete safety, how new testing standards are shaping safer, smarter fields, and the crucial commercial constraints that influence innovation in the real world.

In this episode, journalist Nick Smith discusses the fascinating history and cultural significance of sneakers. We explore the evolution of footwear, the psychological impact of shoes, and the engineering behind performance.

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Bryce Dyer—a leading expert with dual PhDs and a focus on prosthetics and parasport. We break down the fascinating evolution of prosthetic technology and dive into the ethics of “technological advantage,” the economic and research gaps facing elite athletes, and how engineering principles shape not just devices—but debates.

With Matt Rogan we explore how the sports industry can evolve with integrity in an era of rapid transformation. We ask the fundamental question: How sports can professionalise without losing its soul?Whether it’s about boosting participation, reducing healthcare costs through physical activity, or using tech to create more inclusive fan experiences, this episode is your front-row seat to the future of sport.

We let ourselves go with this one...The topics discussed here covered the whole spectrum, from mechanical doping debates, to officiating with statistics. If you have ever wondered what our day jobs are, we also cover this too so enjoy a varied listen of us unsupervised.