The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) today called on university academics to unite with the nation’s athletes to help fight for gold.

For the first time, an invitation has been issued to academics from a range of disciplines to register their sports science research projects with the AIS.

AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker explained that those who register their projects will help the AIS to link academics, coaches and athletes who have similar interests, and allow them to work together to overcome practical sporting problems.

‘With an eye on the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we want to show our competitors that we are still at the pinnacle of world sport,’ Professor Fricker said.

‘The cooperative nature of this project offers academics the chance to roll up their sleeves and work alongside athletes, coaches and fellow researchers.

‘They will be able to share knowledge they would otherwise have been unaware of, and pool their expertise to find the next breakthrough for Australian sport.

‘This call is not limited to the 'usual suspects' in sports science research.

‘Academics from mathematics, computer science, engineering and industrial design, as well as human movement and exercise science departments, are all encouraged to register.’

The AIS is no stranger to successful partnerships, and is currently working with CSIRO, National Information and Communication Technology Australia and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation.

The AIS has also worked with RMIT in Melbourne — a collaboration that led to the development of the much celebrated Superbike. The Superbike’s aerodynamic and lightweight frame helped Australian cyclists win three Commonwealth Games gold medals, five world championships and two Olympic bronze medals in the 1990s.

University academics can register their projects at ausport.gov.au/ais/innovation.