Off the Clock: The new face of sports gear

ISEA26: The evolution of sports engineering

In this special edition of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we explore the history of the International Sports Engineering Association (ISEA) and the conferences that helped shape the field over the last few decades. Joined by former ISEA president, Dr Jono Shepherd and the organiser of the most recent conference Prof. Steph Forrester, we look back at how sports engineering evolved from a niche area into a global research community.

Off the Clock: Look good, play good.

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast Off The Clock, we take a look ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and review some of the newly released kit designs from around the globe. From bold redesigns to modern takes on classic looks, we discuss our favourites, the biggest surprises, and which nations have absolutely nailed it ahead of the tournament.

Can you quantify a kickflip?

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we sit down with Professor Christina Chase, Co-Founder and Managing Director of the MIT Sports Lab, to explore the evolving role of data and technology in sport. From building automated event detection systems with FIFA to quantifying performance in subjective sports like skateboarding and BMX, we discuss how engineering is reshaping the way sport is analysed, coached, and even judged. Christina shares insights from working with elite teams, federations, and global organisations, and we explore how combining data with human expertise can unlock smarter decisions while keeping the athlete at the centre.

Off the Clock: Formula 1's new formula

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we break down Formula One’s huge 2026 rule changes and what they could mean for the future of racing. We cover their 50/50 split between electric and combustion power, lighter chassis, new overtaking systems, sustainable fuels, and major manufacturers like Ford Motor Company, Audi, Honda and Cadillac entering the sport. Why Formula One is undergoing one of its biggest engineering overhauls in decades. Will these changes make racing more tactical, more sustainable, and more competitive or are fans right to be nervous?

Have you registered for ISEA 2026 yet?

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we’re joined by International Sports Engineering Association (ISEA) President Professor Lloyd Smith to preview the upcoming ISEA 2026 Conference in Washington State (June 1st-4th). We break down what the conference is, why it matters in the world of sports engineering, and what attendees can expect, from key themes like equipment, biomechanics, and data analytics, to lab tours and even a chance to try out a pitching robot. We also dive into what students, researchers, and industry professionals can gain from attending, including networking opportunities and career insights. Whether you’re already planning to attend or just curious about what a sports engineering conference looks like, this episode gives you everything you need to know.