Global Sport and Movement Collaborative
The Global Sport and Movement Collaborative (GSMC) is a bold new initiative from the University of Newcastle. We bring together world-class researchers, educators, and industry leaders to transform the future of sport, movement, and wellbeing.
Whether you're a prospective student, researcher, or industry partner, we offer a dynamic platform for collaboration, discovery, and change.
Our research streams
We bring a multi-disciplinary approach to exercise science, health and physical education, nutrition, sports management, business, entrepreneurship, technology and data science. We are tackling real-world challenges with innovative, inclusive, and impactful solutions.
Our work spans ten research streams:
- Physical Activity for Social Impact
Using physical activity to address complex social issues – such as inequality, discrimination, criminal justice involvement and domestic violence – would have a manifold public health impact. There is growing global interest in how such interventions can address these complex social issues, as well as the low prevalence of physical activity participation; both of which are most pronounced among priority populations. - Girls' and Women's Sport
With surging numbers of grassroots participants and increasing professionalisation at the elite level, this research stream incorporates researchers across disciplines including exercise and sport science, injury rehabilitation and public health. - Physical Activity for Cognitive and Mental Health
The benefits of physical activity on cognitive and mental health are well known, and this is the largest research stream by number of Collaborative members. - Optimising Athletic Performance
Collaborative researchers are leaders in this field, utilising an interdisciplinary approach and world class facilities to investigating practical end-user outcomes from multiple angles, including applied sport science (e.g. fatigue and recovery), biomechanics (e.g. foot and gate) and talent identification and development. - Physical Activity for Clinical Populations
Priority populations, including Indigenous people, rural and remote communities, low-income households, individuals living with disability, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are those groups among whom physical inactivity is most pronounced. Consequently, these same groups are those for whom the public health benefits are greatest. - Community Sport and Physical Activity
Interventions at the community sport-level and targeting general population end-users is a powerful tool for the prevention and management of chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, the promotion of a healthy body weight and lifestyle, and for addressing complex social problems including loneliness and social cohesion. - Injury and Rehabilitation
This research stream explores how movement and exercise can be used to improve health and quality of life across the lifespan and prevent and manage chronic disease and injuries. - Sport Business and Law
The University of Newcastle’s large cohort of researchers examining sport business and law offer rich opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. In-house expertise covers fields as diverse as sports marketing, tourism, fan engagement and sport as a socio-cultural institution. - Physical Literacy and Schools
The school setting is a critical site to deliver interventions designed to promote physical activity and improve fitness and wellbeing in young people. This research stream continues to build on the world-leading body of work developed by University of Newcastle researchers. - Sport Technology and Analytics
An emerging field of interest for Collaborative researchers that will only grow as technology develops, wearables proliferate and applications of artificial intelligence continue to integrate into health assessment.
News
News • 09 Mar 2026
Globally recognised academic named 2026 Lake Mac Ambassador
Professor Tamara Blakemore honoured with Lake Macquarie’s top annual civic award for her tireless work as a global leader in community violence prevention.
News • 25 Feb 2026
Exceptional educators celebrated in national teaching awards
Two academics from the University of Newcastle have been recognised for their innovative and creative teaching styles at the Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT).
News • 23 Feb 2026
Students, take the lead: how a peer-led program could transform our kids’ trajectories
Giving primary-school students a chance to teach and lead their younger peers not only strengthens their leadership skills, but also improves wellbeing, classroom engagement and student confidence, a new Australian study has shown.
News • 01 Dec 2025
Exercise for students with disability boosts wellbeing beyond the classroom
An innovative school exercise program targeting students living with a disability has shown short bursts of physical activity during the school day significantly improve health and learning outcomes.
News • 13 Nov 2025
National praise for world-leading program smashing gender norms
A groundbreaking father-daughter well-being program aimed at empowering daughters and their father-figures has received national recognition at last night’s Engagement Australia 2025 Excellence Awards in Sydney.
News • 06 Nov 2025
University of Newcastle moving the world through sport
By Alex Zelinsky. As printed in The Daily Telegraph 6 November 2025.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.