These are the biographies of some of our accepted speakers and chairs. Not all our speakers are listed here

Chairs

John Babraj, Abertay University, Dundee, United Kingdom

Dr John Babraj is a lecturer in exercise physiology at Abertay University and has extensive research experience in how humans respond to exercise and nutrition. A major focus of his research is on high intensity training for health and sports performance. As such he has carried out a number of studies on high intensity training looking at the efficacy of this type of training in both long distance endurance events and team sports.

Mark Williams, Brunel University London, London, United Kingdom

Mark Williams is a Professor in the College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London. His research interests focus on the neural and psychological mechanisms underpinning the acquisition and development of perceptual-cognitive and perceptual-motor skills. He has published more than 150 full articles in peer-reviewed journals in numerous fields including exercise and sports science, experimental psychology, neuroscience and medicine. He has written 15 books, over 60 book chapters, 60 professional articles, 86 journal abstracts, and has delivered almost 200 keynote and invited lectures over 30 countries. He is Editor in Chief for the Journal of Sports Sciences and sits on several editorial boards. His research work has been funded by research councils in Australia and the UK, as well as by industry partners, national governing bodies and professional sports.

Invited Speakers

Patrcia L. Campos-Ferraz, University of Sao Paulo, So Paulo, School of Physical Education and Sport, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil

Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Biodinamics of the Human Movement – USP – Brazil

PhD in Biochemistry (Functional and Molecular Biology) – UNICAMP, Brazil

Research Fellow at Univ of Sao Paulo and State University of Campinas, Brazil

Invited Professor – Sports Nutrition – State University of Campinas, Brazil

Glen Davison, School of Sport & Exercise Sciences, University of Kent, Kent, United Kingdom

Dr Glen Davison is a senior lecturer in the School of Sport & Exercise Sciences at the University of Kent, UK. There he is the current co-ordinator of the Endurance Research Group. He is a BASES Accredited Sport & Exercise Scientist and Chartered Scientist (CSci). He has worked with amateur and professional/elite athletes from a range of sports, including Football, Rugby, Hockey, Athletics, Triathlon and Cycling. Glens current research interests include: Nutrition and Exercise Immunology; Immune System Function in athletes; Immune responses to various types of training (including HIIT); Nutritional supplements and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) risk in athletes.

Fbio Fernandes, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal

Fbio Fernandes is currently a PhD student at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro. He obtained the BSc and MSc degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Aveiro, in 2010 and 2012 respectively.After the MSc, Fbio Fernandes started his career as researcher at the Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation (TEMA) of the University of Aveiro, in the project Head Protection Systems: New solutions based on the use of alternative materials and advanced injury criteria, funded by FCT. Currently, he is a PhD student (FCT scholarship) in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Aveiro, being author of 9 scientific articles published in peer-reviewed international journals and 3 book chapters.

Bettina Karsten, University of Greenwich,London, United Kingdom

Dr Bettina Karsten is a Senior Lecturer in Sport Physiology at the University of Greenwich. She completed her PhD entitled Analysis of Reliability and Validity of Critical Power Testing in the Field’ in 2014. Her other areas of research interest are strength and conditioning and exercise rehabilitation of athletes.

Professor Karen Knapp, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom

Karen Knapp, Associate Professor in Musculoskeletal Imaging, University of Exeter. Combining a passion for research and education with her clinical background, Karen utilises research-led teaching to inspire students.With a background in teaching undergraduate and post-graduate students from masters through to professional doctorates and supervising PhD students, Karen is keen to engage at all levels of higher education. Karen primary research interest is in bone health, osteoporosis and associated pathologies, along with developing and testing computer aided detection (CAD) software in vertebral fracture patients. Karen is actively involved in the National Osteoporosis Society and the Society and College of Radiographers.

Maria Isabel Mouro-Carvalhal, University of Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal

Retired as an Associated Professor, at University Trs-os-Montes e Alto Douro since 2013. Graduation in Physical Education (1977), Master degree in Physical Education Methodology (1995), PHD in Human Kinesiology (2000). Physical Education teacher (1974- 1985), Professor at University trs-os-Montes e Alto Douro (1986-2005), Full professor at University Trs-os-Montes e Alto Douro (2006-2013). Scientific coordinator of master degree in Physical education, specialization in Child Development (2006-2013).Responsible for the curriculum unit: Graduation course: Motor Development and Motor Learning Master Degree: Growth Maturation and Motor Development; Motor Control and Learning; Physical Activity Exercise and Heath; Multidisciplinary Projects in Physical Education Doctoral Course: Neurobiological Assessment. 50 master’s theses completed in the area of Physical activity and health, and 4 in progress. Supervises 8 doctoral dissertations in the area of Physical Education and Sport and 3 in progress. Coordinates and integrates researches projects funded by entities like: Science and Technology Foundation, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Portuguese Sports Institute, Municipality of Vila Real. Published 8 book, 35 book chapters about 26 papers in pier review journals, and about 60 papers in other international and national publications. Participated in more than 80 conferences with oral presentations. Is a refereeing for Motricidade Humana since 2010. ISSN 1646-107X,eISSN 2182-2972.

Dimitrios Patikas, University of Thessaloniki, Serres, Greece

Graduated with a degree in Physical Education and Sport Science from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece and earned the Masters degree in Coaching and Exercise Physiology from the Democritus University of Thrace, Greece. In 2001 he received his Ph.D. degree in Neuromuscular Control and currently he is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and his research interests are related to factors that affect the biomechanical and neuromuscular function (fatigue, neuromuscular diseases, sport injuries, gender, developmental ages, training and footwear) and their underlying mechanisms.

Greg Robertson, Edinburgh Orthopaedic Trauma Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Greg Robertson is a Specialty Trainee in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery at the Edinburgh Orthopaedic Trauma Unit. He obtained a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Medicine during Medical School, and following this, has continued to pursue research in the field of Sports Injuries. His current research focuses on the Epidemiology, Management and Outcome of Fractures in Sport. With one of the few comprehensive population-based databases in this area, his studies aim to provide a clearer description of the incidence of fractures in sport, their morbidity and return to sport, allowing optimisation of the management and outcome of these injuries.

Giorgos K. Sakkas, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Thessaly, Greece

Dr. Sakkas is an Exercise Physiologist specializing in interventions to improve Quality of Life and overall Health Prognosis. He is an Associate Professor at the University of St Mark & St John in Plymouth. He has a BSc (Hons) in Exercise Sciences from the University of Athens and a PhD in Clinical Exercise Physiology from the Manchester Metropolitan University. He has worked as a postdoctoral fellow and later as a Researcher at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Sakkas has more than 50 peer-reviewed articles in PubMed with more than 1600 citations. He serves as an Editorial Board Member in many international journals. He is a competitive free diving athlete holding two national records and ranked within the 10 top free divers in the world.

Ana Maria Teixeira, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education, Sta Clara, Coimbra, Portugal

Ana Teixeira is Associated Professor at the Faculty of Sports Science and Physical Education. She is a member of the operational group of the Ageing@Coimbra consorsium and member of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Aging A2 Action Group Falls Prevention, member of the Board of Directors of the International Society for Exercise and Immunology, member of the European College of Sport Science and member of the Editorial Board of Coimbra University Press. Main research field is exercise immunology, namely on the Influence of training load in immune and biochemical parameters in elite athletes. She also works on health promotion, exercise, mucosal immunity and chronic diseases.

Karin Weman-Josefsson, Hgskolan i Halmstad/Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden

Karin has worked as a lecturer in sport and exercise psychology at Halmstad University since 2007 and will finish her PhD at University of Gothenburg in spring 2016. In 2014 she also initiated an interdisiplinary research project on digital innovations in exercise motivation based on self-determination theory. Researchers from the fields of psychology, interaction design and business model innovation collaborate in order to create the best possible platform for the projects’ applications. The project spans over five years and is co-produced and partly financed by business actors in the e-health industry were project results also will be directly implemented.

Mark Williams, Brunel University London, London, United Kingdom

Mark Williams is a Professor in the College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London. His research interests focus on the neural and psychological mechanisms underpinning the acquisition and development of perceptual-cognitive and perceptual-motor skills. He has published more than 150 full articles in peer-reviewed journals in numerous fields including exercise and sports science, experimental psychology, neuroscience and medicine. He has written 15 books, over 60 book chapters, 60 professional articles, 86 journal abstracts, and has delivered almost 200 keynote and invited lectures over 30 countries. He is Editor in Chief for the Journal of Sports Sciences and sits on several editorial boards. His research work has been funded by research councils in Australia and the UK, as well as by industry partners, national governing bodies and professional sports.

Been Ella, Head of Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Health Professions, Ono Academic College, Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Tel Aviv University, Israel

Dr. Been is the head of the Physical Therapy Department at Ono Academic College. In her research, she combines her clinical knowledge as a PT with her knowledge in human anatomy and evolution. Dr. Been’s research focuses on evolutionary, developmental and pathological aspects of the spine. Her research has opened up new perspectives regarding the evolution of erect posture and bipedal gait.

Ioannis G. Fatouros, School of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece

I earned a B.S. in exercise science (Democritus University of Thrace, Greece) and a M.S. (Syracuse University, NY, USA) and Ph.D. (The University of North Carolina at Greennsboro, NC, USA) in Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry. I am an associate professor in Exercise Biochemistry/Physiology in the School of Physical Education and Sports Sciences of the University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece. I am the author of more than 100 publication in my field. My main research interests are in exercise immunology, sports nutrition, physical activity in children and steength and conditioning.

Kenneth Games, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, United States

Dr. Kenneth Games is an assistant professor and Director of Clinical Education for the Doctorate in Athletic Training Program at Indiana State University. He earned his bachelors degree in Athletic Training from Grand Valley State University in 2009. Games earned his masters degree in Exercise Science in 2011 and his PhD in Kinesiology in 2013. In addition to his teaching and administrative duties, Dr. Games is the director of the Neuromechanics, Interventions, and Continuing Education Research (NICER) Laboratory. His primary research interest focuses on improving the quality of life of tactical and industrial athletes by bridging physiological, clinician-rated, and patient-reported outcomes to reduce musculoskeletal injuries and create patient-centered prevention and intervention programs. Games clinical practice experience is diverse and includes providing care in the secondary school, college and university, and military settings.

Stergios Makris, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire,United Kingdom

I am currently a Lecturer at the Department of Psychology, Edge Hill University in U.K. In my research I am investigating different aspects of Cognitive Neuroscience (i.e. visual perception, action and motor planning) by means of brain stimulation techniques (TMS, tDCS). Until recently (February, 2014) I worked as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Udine, Italy, under the supervision ofDr Cosimo Urgesi. My research focused on the plasticity of anticipatory perception of body actions in motor experts and novices. For this, I applied a series of behavioural and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies. I was also collaborating in other projects involving investigations of body and action perception. I received my PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from City University London, Department of Psychology, supervised by Dr Kielan Yarrow. During my PhD studies I was looking at the Gibsonian notion of “affordances”; that is the automatic activation of motor plans during object perception.

Matthew Miller, Auburn University, Auburn, United States

Matt Miller is an assistant professor in the School of Kinesiology at Auburn University, where he directs the Performance and Exercise Psychophysiology Lab. His research seeks to uncover the bases of motor learning and performance, as well as how to capitalize on these bases in order to enhance learning and performance. Additionally, he strives to understand why people choose and, more often, don’t choose to engage in physical activity. His work has appeared in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, Journal of Motor Learning and Development, and the Journal of Motor Behavior, among others.

Adam Nicholls, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom

Benita Olivier, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Benita Olivier is a senior lecturer and researcher in the field of musculoskeletal physiotherapy in the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. She has been involved in many research projects which investigated the kinematics of, amongst others, the cricket fast bowling action. Parallel to these projects, she has established the Wits Physiotherapy Movement Analysis Laboratory. She is an avid researcher with a high level of research productivity. Benita was a recipient of the Friedel Sellschop Award for exceptional young researchers in 2014, was identified by the Mail & Guardian as one of the top 200 most influential young South Africans and was a finalist in the 2014 Standard Bank Rising Stars Awards. Her academic vision includes development of evidence in the prevention of sports injury and musculoskeletal dysfunction, the optimisation of athletic performance and the analysis of movement.

Rob Orr, Tactical Research Unit / Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Australia

Rob Orr served in the Australian Regular Army for over 23 years as an infantry soldier, Physical Training Instructor, physiotherapist and human performance officer. Still serving in the Army Reserve, Rob took up an appointment at Bond University in 2012. Apart from a high teaching load in the Doctor of Physiotherapy program, Rob co-leads the Tactical Research Unit, an international collaboration exclusively dedicated to tactical research (military, law enforcement and firefighters). Focussing on the strength, conditioning and injury prevention of tactical athletes, Rob has won awards for research outcomes and publications, and provides consultancy and educational services internationally.

Ana Pereira, Polytechnic Institute of Setbal, Setbal, Portugal

Lori Thein Brody, UW Clinics Research Park, Madison, United States

Lori Thein Brody is a Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainer at the University of Wisconsin Clinics and a professor at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah. Dr. Brody has lectured extensively across the country on management of orthopaedic and sports related injuries, aquatic physical therapy, and connective tissue dysfunction. She co-authored Therapeutic Exercise: Moving Toward Function, now in its third edition and co-edited Aquatic Exercise for Rehabilitation and Training. She served on and chaired the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, and served on and chaired the Committee for the Credentialing of Post-Professional Clinical Residencies and Fellowships.

Louis-Solal Giboin, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany

Louis-Solal Giboin obtained his Ph.D. in neuroscience, with the study of the cervical propriospinal system, under the management of Vronique Marchand-Pauvert in the laboratory of Rose Katz. LSG is currently doing his post-doctorate in the laboratory of Markus Gruber and his topics of interest are the neural adaptations induced by training and the fatigue of the central nervous system.

Matt Jordan, Phd, Human Performance Laboratory, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, CANADA, along with NORAXON USA, the Movement Data People.

Matt Jordan’s expertise lies in specific knowledge transfer to coaches, trainers, teams and sports organizations, advancing their abilities to measure, monitor and improve athlete performance. A highly regarded speaker and educator with 15+ years of experience in Elite Sports, Matt has helped more than 30 Olympic and World Championship Medalists realize their full potential through cohesive strength training programs, athlete performance monitoring and improvement, and return-to-sport functional assessment and specialized strength/conditioning programs. His research and work is enabled by NORAXON’s myoRESEARCH3 software platform and full suite of biomechanics measurement equipment.

Oral Presentations

Spencer Pratt, Sentinel Secondary, North Vancouver, Canada

Spencer graduated from Sentinel Secondary, West Vancouver in 2016. As an independent researcher, he is currently focusing on empirical studies under the mentorship of Professor Ruth Kirson, Vancouver Island University, VIU Resilience Lab. Spencers competitive sports background in track as a middle-distance runner, led to his research interest on improving performance in elite athletes and suggesting a unique running regimen. With a perspective stemming from separate disciplines, he proposes a physical application to reduce the effects of anxiety in elite athletes. Spencer commences undergraduate studies in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience in Fall 2017.