Sports physiologists Dr Frankie Tan of the University of Western Australia and Ms Megan Ross of Edith Cowan University have been named dual recipients of the annual AIS Robert T Withers PhD Scholar Award.

The award was created in 2009 to showcase the work of PhD scholars studying exercise physiology in Australia that will have an impact on Australia’s sporting success.

‘Professor Robert Withers was a major contributor to the Australian Institute of Sport.  He was an iconic figure in the field of exercise and sports science and his enthusiasm for sport was infectious’ said Acting CEO of the ASC Professor Peter Fricker.

‘This tribute is awarded to only the best and brightest young exercise physiologists in Australia. Dr Frankie Tan and Ms Megan Ross have demonstrated both excellence and innovation in their PhD research ’.

Dr Frankie Tan worked closely with head coach Greg McFadden of the Australian women’s water polo team, the Stingers.  Dr Tan attempted to improve the knowledge of coaches and scientists about the assessment, training and monitoring of water polo players.

‘The data obtained from Frankie’s thesis contributed to the development of the national protocols for the physiological assessment of women water polo players.' said Head of the AIS Physiology Professor Chris Gore.

‘The match simulation test that Dr Tan developed is currently being used as a conditioning and rehabilitation tool for players.’
Megan Ross’ PhD research included the development of practical pre-cooling methods for the Australian men’s road cycling time-trial in Beijing.

‘Through an arduous serious of demanding experiments on local cyclists Megan progressively refined the technique on the AIS U/23 cycling team, which was then practised by the Olympic cyclists’ said Professor Chris Gore.

‘The method developed was so successful that it was used by other Australian cyclists, rowers and race walkers in Beijing and thereafter’.

The AIS Robert T Withers PhD Scholar Award includes a $6000 prize and medallion courtesy of the generosity of his widow, Pam. It is open to current PhD scholars (or individuals who graduated less than one year ago) from any Australian university, sports institute or academy, who have conducted exercise physiology research that has had a substantial impact, or the potential to have a strong impact, on Australian sport.