The University of Michigan will undergo a huge Exercise & Sport Science Initiative, drawing from more that 100 faculty, student experts, members of its athletics department and industry partners to optimize physical performance and wellness for athletes and people in general.
An initial $3.5 million seed funding for the first four years of the research program was awarded the last week of September 2016, according to Crain’s Detroit Business. More funding is reportedly being discussed, coming in from groups and faculty.
UM’s ESSI Co-Director, Ron Zernicke, explained that more than 30 companies have expressed corporate interest in the new program, including Adidas, Gatorade and Nike.
Sports Technology Research and Development is one of three pillars in which the program will focus on. The Initiative explains this area as looking into “Inertial measurement units, helmets, intelligent apparel, equipment design and rapid prototyping.”
The second is Data Science and Analytics and the third is Optimal Performance.
Photo courtesy University of Michigan, Exercise & Sport Science Initiative
