Over a thousand athletes have used the facilities at UI’s Research Centre

National team athletes in swimming and cycling, as well as players from numerous top-division teams in football and basketball, have taken advantage of the outstanding facilities for sports measurements at the Research Centre for Sports and Health Sciences at the University of Iceland, located in Laugardalshöll. In the year since the research centre opened, over a thousand athletes of all skill levels have used it, the first of its kind in Iceland. It has also offered students in sports and health sciences unique teaching and research opportunities. 

The facility opened on 31 October 2023, and in the one year since it opened, it has become a cornerstone of sports science teaching and research at the university. The research facility is equipped with world-class tools for sports measurement and research. 

"In the year since we opened, we have offered numerous courses for students in biomechanics, physiology, strength training, elite sports, and athletics.  We have created an attractive learning environment where students gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience.  Access to these advanced tools enhances learning and prepares students for future careers in the field.  Whether the students go on to work in primary or secondary schools, with sports clubs, or as personal trainers, they graduate with the skills and confidence needed to make a real impact," says Milos Petrovic, a lecturer in the Sports and Health Sciences programme at the School of Education, who oversees the research facility.

Revolutionizing Research Facilities

The research facility also transforms the opportunities available to staff and students to conduct excellent research, thus contributing to knowledge in sports science and health.  "Research not only enriches the work of those of us in research but also benefits a wide range of people, from elite athletes looking to maximize their performance to the general public wanting to improve their health and well-being," Milos adds.

The new facilities also make it possible to tailor solutions and measurements to different individuals and groups, as athletes—whether competing or exercising for health and enjoyment—have diverse needs.  "In this first year, we have served national teams and recreational athletes alike. With this, we aim to emphasize that we work for the benefit of all athletes," says Milos. 

Those who have used the facilities are of all ages and various ability levels. "By developing specialized programmes and conducting targeted research, we aim to promote inclusivity and accessibility in sports science for everyone.  We look forward to continuing to apply new methods in both, teaching and research and grow over the coming years with outstanding scientific work related to sports, health, and education," Milos adds. 

A diverse group of elite athletes has used the facility at Laugardalshöll, including the national teams in swimming and cycling, as well as players from most of the country's top football teams, such as Víkingur, Breiðablik, KR, Valur, Fjölnir, ÍA, Þróttur, FH, Stjarnan, Fylkir, Vestri, HK, and KA.  Basketball players from KR, Fjölnir, Valur, Haukar, and Aþena have also used the facility for competition and training preparation. 

Additionally, elite athletes in handball, weightlifting, and skiing, as well as football referees who need to maintain peak physical fitness, have benefited from the facility. This project is carried out in collaboration with Guðbergur K. Jónsson, Director of the UI Social Research Institute, "Many of our visitors, whether in individual or team sports, have undergone detailed assessments of their strength and performance at the research facility.  We have focused on measuring performance, whether during the preparation period, competition season, or off-season. We have, furthermore, provided support to athletes in recovery after injuries affiliated with the musculoskeletal system in regaining their former, or even increased, strength. We also hope to do even better with our move to Saga where we will have more space and more equipment. Furthermore, all our equipment is portable, so we can bring it wherever possible needed so teaching can be in school gyms, pools, and courts to name but a few.

Statistics for the Research centre in sport and health sciences

In the first year:

• The centre has provided service for over 1,000 athletes.
• The centre’s clients conducted more than 11.000 jumps.
• Athletes from 16 different sports have used the facilities.
• Eighteen students graduated by conducting research based on the data collected from the lab’s centre.
• Six different projects have been launched aiming to enhance understanding of movement in different populations (recreational runners, high-performance athletes, school population, people with clinical diagnosis, special force, talent identification in sports) with 4 PhD students and 10 MSc students currently working towards obtaining their degrees.
• The centre has brought about collaborations with cycling, swimming and football referee associations.
• Research scientists have published 11 articles based on research from the data collected in the lab.
• The centre has developed collaborations with universities in Croatia, Slovenia, Uruguay, England, Serbia, Spain and the United States.