Curtin Sarawak hosts visit by prominent sports scientist Kevin Netto

Miri – 5 August 2016 – The Faculty of Engineering and Science of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) recently hosted a visit by prominent sports scientist Associate Professor Kevin Netto, who is the Director of Research of the School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science at Curtin University in Perth.

Present to welcome him were the Faculty’s Acting Deputy Dean, Dr Lenin Gopal, and Dr Yam Ke San and Dr Garenth Lim King Hann of the Faculty’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department and Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering respectively.

During his visit, Associate Professor Netto delivered a talk for academic staff on sports science research at the School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science as part of a research collaboration between sports science and engineering researchers at the main campus and their counterparts at Curtin Sarawak.

The sports science and engineering research team at Curtin Sarawak was established in 2015 following the signing of a memorandum of agreement for collaborative research between Curtin Sarawak and the National Sports Institute of Malaysia (Institut Sukan Negara).

The team, comprising Dr Lim, Dr Yam, Dr Vincent Lee, Dr Law Ming Chiat, Dr Haidar Al-Qrimli and Ir. Wong Wei Kitt, aims to carry out research to improve athletes’ performance by utilising engineering technology and science.

Prior to Associate Professor Netto’s talk, Dr Lim gave a presentation on Curtin Sarawak’s ongoing collaboration with the National Sports Institute.

In his talk, Associate Professor Netto highlighted the increasingly important role of sports science research in improving injury management and prevention, as well as optimising the performance and rehabilitation of athletes.

He commended Curtin Sarawak for its involvement in sports science research in Malaysia and helping to improve the performance of Malaysian sport teams, adding that Malaysian teams have achieved great success in badminton, squash, diving and gymnastics.

As both a mechanical engineer and sports scientist, Associate Professor Netto’s research focuses on increasing safety and decreasing injury risk at work and at play. He utilises cutting-edge techniques in lab-based and in-field assessments of human biomechanics and its effect on the musculoskeletal system.

He has worked with elite cyclists and triathletes, footballers, aerial skiers, swimmers, track and field athletes, military personnel, fighter pilots, council workers and firefighters. He is supported by various industry partners including Hockey Australia, Safework Australia, Dulux and city councils around the state of Victoria.

Curtin University’s School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science has a long and proud history in sports related research areas such as injury management, prevention, orthopaedic techniques, rehabilitation or performance optimisation. It is equipped with excellent facilities for research purposes including a strength and condition laboratory, exercise physiology laboratory and motion analysis laboratory.

The School has strong links with Hockey Australia and the Fremantle Football Club, in addition to carrying out projects in running, cycling, triathlon, swimming, surfing, dance, basketball, volleyball and rugby.

Dr Lenin presenting a souvenir to Associate Professor Netto (left) as Dr Lim looks on.

Group photo of Associate Professor Netto and some of those who attended his talk.