New centre for sports-related research at KTH

“We see that there is a lack of broadened technology-based research in sports in Sweden,” says Jonas Willén , program manager for the master's programme in Sports Technology and responsible for the National Sports University at KTH.

During the first 18 months, the centre is a so-called interim center, focusing on financing and setting the framework for future development. Initially, around ten researchers and teachers are connected to the centre. They will work with research, education and infrastructure together with several partners, including the city of Stockholm, the Swedish National Sports Federation (RF), Dalarna University and The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH).

“KTH has dealt with sports-related research issues within the various schools for many years. With a centre we get a hub that can better make visible what KTH is doing in the area, it will also be easier for external parties – such as RF, sports clubs and companies – to find a contact route,” says Jonas Willén.

Improvement at all levels

The centre’s faculty is currently engaged in research and courses linked to sports, such as the Master's Programme in Sports Technology. An interdisciplinary program where the students learn how to measure, analyze and simulate physical activity, and how innovative technology can benefit the practitioners. Something that the KTH Center for Sports Engineering will focus on, according to Jonas Willén.

“The purpose of the centre is to find relevant applications of technology and methods from engineering to improve sports training and equipment at all levels from the elite to the everyday exerciser.”

Take some medals from Norway

Together with several different partners, KTH Center for Sports Engineering will contribute to, and participate in, several projects dealing with infrastructure. One aims, among other things, to make the Stadium in Stockholm the most connected and advanced arena for training and development of athletics.

The long-term goal of the centre is to improve education, design better equipment and infrastructure, increase participation in sports and facilitate sustainable and attractive events. Goals that Jonas Willén believes will have a big impact indeed.

“I think we can help improve public health in Sweden and take some medals from Norway,” says Jonas Willén.

Text: Jon Lindhe

Read more about the centre: KTH Center for Sports Engineering