Julie Steele, PhD, is a Professor in Biomechanics at the University of Wollongong, Australia, where she heads the small but dynamic Biomechanics Research Laboratory. After completing a Diploma of Teaching in Physical & Health Education (KCAE, NSW) and a Bachelor of Physical Education (1st Class Honours; University of Western Australia), Julie joined the academic staff of the University of Wollongong in 1983. Since that time she has participated extensively in both teaching and research across the University, being actively involved in policy-making bodies including the University Council and University Research Council.

Julie’s research over the past 20+ years has focused on the biomechanics of injury prevention with a specific interest in mechanisms of lower extremity dysfunction, particularly ACL injury during dynamic landings, which was the topic of her PhD thesis, completed in 1997. Her current research interests also include breast movement and brassiere design, safe footwear for elderly women, effects of childhood obesity on lower limb structure and function, and human applications of intelligent fabrics.

Julie has produced over 200 national and international scientific publications/presentations and was appointed a Fellow of the Australian Sports Medicine Federation in 1998. She has also maintained an active involvement in broader professional issues within biomechanics and sports medicine, serving on the Executive Committee, including President, of the Australian & New Zealand Society of Biomechanics (1996-2003); Board of Directors of the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports (1993-2003); Censor for the Fellows of Australian Sports Medicine Federation (2003+); as well as serving as an editorial board member for several biomechanics and sport science journals.

She says: “I have been an active member of ISB for over 20 years, attending my first ISB conference in Los Angeles, 1989. I was first elected to the Executive Council of ISB in July 1999, and was appointed as the officer responsible for “reviving and updating” the ISB Codes and Constitution. I was then re-elected to the Council in 2001 and 2003, serving as the ISB Secretary-General during both of these terms, a role which has provided opportunities to develop insight into the daily functioning of ISB and the Executive Council. If elected, I would be honored to serve as President of ISB. I acknowledge that the first two years of my term will be spent “learning the ropes” as President Elect under the extremely capable mentorship of ISB President Walter Herzog. My specific plans in the role as President will therefore be shaped by the initiatives that Walter implements during his Presidential term, initiatives that, if effective, I will work towards consolidating. However, I strongly believe that the long term health of any society is dependent upon active involvement of its student members, who are, after all, the next generation of Council members. For this reason, if elected, I will strive to strengthen student participation within the Society, ensuring continuation of the ISB student grant scheme. I will also strive to further foster opportunities for international research collaborations involving ISB students and full members, to ensure the long term “health” of a truly international Society.”