Research at the Center for Sports Engineering and Performance is grounded in engineering fundamentals and applied to real-world sport systems. Our work spans equipment design, impact mechanics, biomechanics, performance analytics and standards development.
Students in baseball research lab in umass lowell
Building on more than 25 years of pioneering research and innovation through the Baseball Research Center, the Center for Sports Engineering and Performance is extending this leadership into new domains, expanding its work across sports, equipment design and human performance.

Research Areas

Equipment Engineering

We evaluate and design sports equipment through impact mechanics, advanced materials characterization, durability analysis and performance testing.

Impact, Safety and Injury Prevention

We advance athlete safety by studying impact dynamics, helmet energy absorption and concussion prevention and mitigation.

Human Performance and Biomechanics

We study how athletes move and interact with equipment in various environments to enhance performance and build resilience through applied biomechanics and exercise science.

Wearables and Measurement Systems

We develop and validate sensor technologies, including inertial measurement systems, to accurately monitor performance.

Standards and Test Method Development

We lead independent testing to develop new standards and methodologies in collaboration with governing bodies to improve safety, performance and regulatory science.

Affiliated Labs

The Center for Sports Engineering and Performance collaborates with a network of affiliated research labs across campus to advance interdisciplinary research in human performance, health, and materials: