A new national research unit has been established to build the evidence base needed to improve sport participation in Australia.
Led by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), the three-year initiative brings together leading researchers from Deakin University, the University of Newcastle and the University of Sydney to deliver coordinated research on the barriers, benefits and enablers of sport participation.
The Play Well Research Unit (PWRU) is supported by $1.36 million in Australian Government funding through the ASC, as part of a broader $6.8 million investment in Play Well projects announced in the 2024–25 Federal Budget.
The initiative is further backed by $2.7 million in funding and in-kind contributions from the three universities reflecting strong collaboration across government and academia.
PWRU lead and Director of Sport Programs at the ASC, Dr Lindsey Reece said the unit is the first of its kind in Australia and aligns with Australia’s Sport Participation Strategy – Play Well.
“This is a significant step forward for sport in Australia, bringing together some of the brightest research minds in the country. Researchers will study topics such as the cost, value and benefits of sport, participation trends and sport in schools. This research will have a strong focus on evaluation and understanding how our findings impact policy, sport leadership and delivery,” Dr Reece said.
“Not only will the researchers address critical knowledge gaps we currently face in grassroots sport, but they will also help mentor the next generation of academics and build capability across the sport sector.
“This work is just the start and is a gamechanger for sport participation. It will ensure we are investing in the right areas and will help us tackle some of the biggest challenges in sport so we can ensure that everyone that wants to be involved, can be involved in sport.”
The PWRU will include four Research Fellows with five PhD students set to join in the coming months.
University of Sydney Senior Research Fellow Katherine Owen said she was delighted to join the unit and contribute to work that helps make sport a lifelong positive experience for all Australians.
“It is inspiring to collaborate with leading researchers who share a passion for sport and are dedicated to using sport to enhance the health, wellbeing, and sense of belonging for all Australians,” Dr Owen said.
Associate Professor Helen Brown and Dr Katherine Raw join the team from Deakin University.
“I’m looking forward to collaborating with the ASC and Play Well team and fellow researchers, and contributing to research that delivers real-world impact,” Dr Raw said. “With a focus on sport development and inclusion, I’m excited to help translate evidence into meaningful change across the sector."
University of Newcastle Associate Professor Narelle Eather said the opportunity to work with other leading institutions and fellow researchers to get more Australians involved in sport is a dream come true.
“As a passionate advocate for positive, inclusive and accessible sport, I am honoured to contribute to a national movement that promotes lifelong participation in sport. As a team, we will draw on each other and work together to drive innovative work in sport participation, physical literacy and wellbeing that would not otherwise be possible.”
The unit expects to release its first research in 2026.