Neal Smith

Dr Neal Smith is a Reader in Biomechanics at the University of Chichester, teaching undergraduate and postgraduate modules including Sports Injury and Prevention, Biomechanical Techniques, and MSc Ergonomics in Sport and Exercise while providing sports science support to elite divers and cricket bowlers.

His academic credentials include:

• BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University (1993)
• MSc Ergonomics, Loughborough University (1994)
• PhD Sport Biomechanics, University of Southampton (1999)

Smith's research centers on sports biomechanics with pioneering work in non-linear motion analysis for soccer and racket sports, kicking biomechanics across multiple sports, and ergonomic footwear design. His methodology integrates ground reaction force measurement, kinematic analysis, and practical sports applications to enhance athletic performance and prevent injuries.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant research themes in soccer biomechanics (particularly instep kicking dynamics across approach angles and velocities), ACL injury risk assessment through advanced signal processing, and expanding investigations into women's rugby breast health and concussion biomarkers in youth football. His work consistently bridges laboratory findings with real-world athletic contexts.

Smith currently supervises 2 PhD candidates and serves as external examiner for BSc/MSc programs at Teesside and Portsmouth Universities. His collaborative research spans orthopaedics, sports medicine, and performance science teams across multiple institutions.

His research operations involve interdisciplinary collaboration with sports scientists, orthopaedic specialists, and performance coaches, focusing on translating biomechanical insights into practical training modifications and injury prevention protocols across soccer, cricket, rugby, and cycling disciplines.