Brendan Lay

Dr Brendan Lay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Human Sciences at The University of Western Australia, where he has been teaching and conducting research since 2005. His academic journey began with a PhD at Deakin University completed in 2004, followed by a postdoctoral position at Pennsylvania State University. He serves as Chair of the Science Regional Ethics Review Committee and coordinates key units including Motor Learning and Control, Advanced Concepts in Motor Control and Learning, and Lifespan Motor Development.

Dr Lay's educational background includes:

• PhD from Deakin University (Melbourne), completed in 2004 under Professor Tony Sparrow
• Postdoctoral research at Pennsylvania State University in the Motor Control Laboratory led by Professor Mark Latash

His research focuses on human movement science, with particular expertise in motor control and learning across the lifespan. Dr Lay investigates how visual-perceptual skills influence movement performance, the development of fundamental movement skills in children, and the application of active video gaming for health promotion. His work on injury biomechanics examines movement patterns that may contribute to injury risk, with implications for prevention strategies. Much of his research has practical applications in sports performance, rehabilitation, and public health initiatives aimed at improving physical activity levels.

Dr Lay's recent publications reveal a strong focus on sports biomechanics, particularly in Australian football, examining how ecological dynamics influence player performance. His work spans from basic motor control research to applied studies in clinical and sports settings. He has made significant contributions to understanding how planning time affects movement mechanics and injury risk, and how physiotherapists can assess movement quality. His research often bridges the gap between laboratory findings and real-world applications in sports, rehabilitation, and public health.

Dr Lay has secured substantial research funding from various sources including Healthway and the University of Western Australia Research Grants Scheme. His grants have focused on areas such as movement-based video games for health consumers, postural control in elderly women, fundamental movement skills in children, and exercise behavior.

He leads a research program that includes supervision of graduate students and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. His work contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to good health and well-being.