Bridging the distance: Using sport technology to enhance high-performance pathways for rural athletes
- Category
- Funded research project
- Location
- Ballarat
- Value
- $50,000
- Open date
- 16/07/2026
- Close date
- 02/10/2026
- Study sector
- Higher education
- Study level
- Higher Degree by Research
- Student type
- Domestic, International
- Student status
- New / commencing
- Scholarships available
- 1
Project overview
Federation University and WestVic Academy of Sport partner to present a scholarship opportunity in Sport Science to bridge the distance: using sport technology to enhance high-performance pathways for rural athletes.
Terms and conditions
Title
Bridging the distance: Using sport technology to enhance high-performance pathways for rural athletes
Industry partner and student host
WestVic Academy of Sport
Description
Overarching Aim of the PhD:Athletes from regional and rural Australia face significant barriers in accessing high-performance sport pathways, including limited access to coaching, sport science support, and elite competition environments. Advances in sport technology (e.g., wearable sensors, remote coaching platforms, performance analytics) offer an opportunity to overcome these geographic constraints.This PhD project will design, implement, and evaluate technology-enabled athlete development models to support regional athletes in achieving high-performance outcomes without the need for relocation.
Study 1
Systematic Review:
Title: State of the art in technology-supported training and coaching models
Aim: To synthesise existing evidence on: (i) The type of sport technology currently available to aid training and coaching (ii) Summarise, the pros and cons of each technology (iii) Highlight the gaps in the application of technology for remote training and coaching.
Study 2
Title: Evaluate the effectiveness of technology-enabled athlete development models in rural settings
Aim: (i) What is the minimum viable technology stack required to support elite development? (ii) How does access to real-time feedback influence training adherence and skill acquisition? (iii) Can distributed data ecosystems improve talent identification in rural regions?
Study 3
Title: Development of a sport technology ecosystem to enhance athlete development in the regions
Aim: To produce an integrated sport technology ecosystem that enhances regional athlete development and success
This project is funded for 3 years, with the possibility of a 6-month extension upon application.
Stipend
$50,000 per year, provided in fortnightly, tax free installments comprised of $40,000 as the base stipend, and a $10,000 top up from Federation University
Project Support
$3,000 per year available to spend on the research project provided by the Research Training Program (RTP) allowance
Tuition Fees
Up to $32,000 will be covered by the Research Training Program (RTP) fee-offset scholarship for domestic students, or by a tuition fee scholarship provided by the Graduate Research School for international students
Internship
The student will be embedded with WestVic Academy of Sport and undertake at least 60 FTE days during the course of the candidature
To be eligible for the project, you must:
- be eligible for a PhD
- willing to undertake full-time study
Please contact Professor Rob Aughey before submitting your application. When you're ready to apply, follow these instructions.