Encouraging Translational Research and Industry Engagement
Over the last year, the Footwear Biomechanics Group organised four engaging web sessions designed to broaden the perspectives of student members and early-career researchers. These events went beyond traditional conference presentations and academic papers, offering an inside look at the strategies and insights shaping today’s footwear industry. Non-member students and researchers from various labs were also encouraged to attend, creating a dynamic forum for discussion and collaboration.
The first session, held on April 9, 2024, featured Dr. Dan Feeney of BOA Technology, who explored how research-driven innovations in closure systems can optimize footwear fit and performance. On June 18, 2024, Dr. Cedric Morio from Decathlon highlighted how combining user perception with biomechanical data paves the way for more effective sports footwear engineering. Later in the year, on December 3, 2024, Dr. Ashna Subramanium from Plantiga delved into how real-time data analysis reveals movement asymmetries and injury risks, informing product refinement and targeted interventions. Finally, on February 27, 2025, Dr. Jason Cheung from OLAB in Hong Kong examined the core biomechanical principles that underpin functional footwear design, emphasizing comfort, efficiency, and injury prevention.
Each session served as a platform to connect academic research with real-world applications in the footwear industry. Through in-depth presentations and interactive discussions, participants gained valuable insights into contemporary product innovation strategies, while early-career researchers had an opportunity to engage directly with leading industry professionals. The exchange of ideas during these sessions highlighted the importance of bridging academic expertise and industry needs, ultimately fostering greater collaboration and translational research. These sessions were recorded and are available to all FBG members to watch.
Looking ahead, the Footwear Biomechanics Group plans to continue hosting similar events to maintain the momentum of knowledge-sharing and professional networking. The hope is that future sessions will spark even more productive collaborations, encourage fresh research questions, and promote the development of practical solutions for footwear performance and injury prevention.
For additional details on these past events or to stay informed about upcoming opportunities, please contact Professor Nachi Chockalingam, Chair of the Footwear Biomechanics Group, Yannick Denis, Student Representative, or Thorsten Sterzing, Industry Representative. We look forward to connecting with wider ISB members at future gatherings, where we hope to continue to push the boundaries of footwear biomechanics together.
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