Luke Hopper

Dr. Luke Hopper is a Senior Lecturer and Vice Chancellor’s Research Fellow at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Edith Cowan University (ECU). He coordinates the ECU Performance Capture Studio and is a founder of the Simulation and Immersive Digital Technology Group at ECU. His academic affiliations span biomechanics, performing arts, digital technology, and health sciences, reflecting his interdisciplinary research focus.

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Western Australia, 2011
• Graduate Certificate in University Teaching, University of Notre Dame Australia, 2013
• Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in Human Movement, The University of Western Australia, 2008

Dr. Hopper’s research centers on the scientific and creative analysis of human movement, particularly in dance and performance. His work applies advanced biomechanical methods and motion capture technologies to injury prevention, performance enhancement, and digital simulation. He also explores the use of virtual reality and generative AI in training healthcare professionals and in creative performance. His research bridges health, engineering, and the arts, with strong industry collaborations including Harlequin Dance Floors and the Birmingham Royal Ballet.

The 15 most recent publications highlight a trend toward interdisciplinary applications, particularly in virtual reality training for healthcare, substance use prevention through gamification, and biomechanical analysis of dancers. The research spans fields such as public health, emergency medicine, psychology, and digital arts, demonstrating a consistent focus on applied, evidence-based innovation.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Winston Churchill Memorial Fellow (2018)
• Vice Chancellor’s Staff Award – Inspiring Teams (ECU, 2019)
• Vice Chancellor’s Staff Award – Rational Inquiry (ECU, 2016)
• Research and Innovation Project of the Year – WA Incite Awards (2022)
• National Field Leader – Drama and Theatre Arts (The Australian, 2020–2023)
• International Association for Dance Medicine and Science Student Research Award (2007, 2009)

Dr. Hopper actively supervises PhD and Master’s students across diverse topics including VR-based birthing simulation, dancer wellbeing, and AI-driven avatars for aggression de-escalation. He has secured over $1 million in competitive research grants from bodies including the Department of Health WA, Defence Science, and the International Olympic Committee. His leadership in the Australian Centre for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention (ACRISP) underscores his national impact. He also leads the ECU Performance Capture Studio, where digital twins, immersive simulations, and mixed reality performances are developed.

Laboratories and Research Groups:

• ECU Performance Capture Studio (Coordinator)
• Simulation and Immersive Digital Technology Group (Founder)