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Sports Engineering Research Group

SERG has been active since 1998, and conducts research projects that range from those asking fundamental questions about sports balls aerodynamics to collaborations with the sports industry seeking improved product performance. SERG research is supported by the DTI, EU, EPSRC and from collaborations with sports equipment companies (Adidas, Grays, Prince, Speedo), sports governing bodies (ITF, ECB), and elite sports organisations (UKSI, RYA, British Cycling Federation, UK Athletics).

SERG has worked extensively with the International Tennis Federation, and with the England and Wales Cricket Board through the Pitches Research Group. Two PhD programmes over six years looked at the playing performance of first-class cricket pitches, and developed a greater understanding of the interaction between ball and pitch.

SERG has specialist expertise in high-speed video analysis, sports surface testing, modelling of sports ball impacts, data analysis, impact measurement and analysis, design and development methodologies.

Research is carried out primarily by postgraduates and can be funded by research councils such as the EPSRC. This means that long term research projects (1 to 3 years duration) can be carried out in a cost-effective, efficient manner, which can make a real contribution to the technological understanding of sport and sports equipment.  SERG run up to ten undergraduate projects each year that can provide limited but often very useful research for sports equipment companies.

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