Professor David James, CEO of Labosport Group, is a Director and Fellow of the (ISEA) International Sports Engineering Association and has been continuously involved with the organization since 2002.
This year’s ISEA conference, in its 15th year, reaffirmed its status as the premier global gathering for sports engineering research, attracting top academic researchers, industry leaders, and representatives from prestigious sports federations such as FIFA, World Rugby, International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the International Tennis Federation .
The focus on sport surfaces was a highlight of the conference where David James chaired several sessions, showcasing groundbreaking research. Notably, the collaborative work between Loughborough University and Labosport on the rotational traction test for synthetic turf, led by Harry McGowen, was presented. This innovative research promises to enhance the safety and efficiency of sports surfaces.
Professor David James and Professor Paul Fleming also presented a paper on their work with the FIH regarding the step change to using ‘dry’ turf for elite level play in field hockey. David Rigby and Carolyn Webb, both with Labosport UK, were also in attendance, taking advantage of the opportunity to engage with the latest advancements and networking with leading experts in the field.
For those interested in exploring the research further, full peer-reviewed papers are available here:
Springer Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12283-023-00426-4
Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-48134-0