Visiting Sports Academics' Warm Welcome At Buxton Campus
9 April 2013
The public lecture was the first of many hosted by Buxton's academic sports team
Two leading sports academics, Professor Giannis Giakas from the University of Thessaly, Greece who is a Visiting Professor of the University of Derby Buxton and Tony Kay Associate Professor from Northampton University, visited the Buxton Campus recently to address current students and members of the public on their areas of specialism.
The research academics, who are both highly respected in their fields, are currently collaborating with the University of Derby Buxton's sports lecturer, Minas Mina, as he undertakes his PhD thesis; research which has already resulted in the production of two papers currently under review by top journals.
The academics presented a summary of their research areas, ending with their most up to date papers. Professor Kay led the evening session with an extremely comprehensive insight into the area of 'muscle-tendon biomechanics'.
The presentation covered all aspects, starting with the basic function and underpinning science of the area, going onto the methods used to investigate the subject matter concluding with the key findings, applications and of course the further research he and his team have planned.
Professor Giakas followed this with a presentation regarding the surgical repair and the range of relative success experienced by those unlucky enough to have suffered complete rupture of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament. A structure located in the knee, essential for both normal and athletic function and one which all too many sportsmen and women are familiar with. Professor Giakas reviewed a huge area of this research, looking back at over ten years of accumulated work.
The success of any guest lecture is typically measured by the size of the audience, as such, it is safe to consider this a resounding triumph, with staff and students in attendance; the event also attracted the interest of both the Strategic Director and Assistant Strategic Director of the University of Derby Buxton.
Both speakers expertly blended fundamental information with cutting edge research.
Whilst other departments in the Faculty have arranged such talks in their fields, this was the first of its kind in the sports department.
Judging from the extremely positive feedback received from all attendees, this will hopefully herald the first of many.
