Simon Goodwill

Dr. Simon Goodwill is the Head of Research in Sport and Physical Activity and Head of the Sports Engineering Research Group (SERG) at Sheffield Hallam University's Academy of Sport and Physical Activity. He holds a PhD focused on tennis ball-racket impact modeling and has collaborated with the International Tennis Federation. His expertise includes novel photogrammetry techniques, software development for athlete performance analysis, and camera calibration systems like check2d/check3d. He led projects supporting Team GB athletes in multiple Olympics, contributing to 42 medals at Rio 2016. Currently, he oversees the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC), applying sports performance methodologies to health research. His work integrates machine vision, data acquisition hardware, and elite athlete monitoring systems, with notable contributions to the EIS Innovation Partnership and sports tech exhibits like Le Tour Yorkshire's bike simulator.

Education & Research: Simon’s PhD (modeling tennis impacts) and extensive software engineering background underpin his research. His projects span biomechanics, sports engineering, and health tech, with collaborations involving UK Sport, FIFA, and Adidas. He has developed systems used by athletes in London 2012, Rio 2016, and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Research Themes: His work emphasizes performance analysis through photogrammetry, real-time athlete tracking, and health-related applications of sports tech. Key projects include court pace rating for the ITF, iBoxer2 boxing data tools, and the AWRC’s health innovations.

Grants & Impact: The AWRC, funded by UK DoH and ESIF (£15.7M), reflects his role in translating elite athlete tech to public health. His work is cited in UK government reports on Olympic legacy and has received media attention, including BBC features on GB Boxing’s iBoxer software.

Advising & Leadership: Supervised 17 PhD students on topics like machine learning in taekwondo, swimming analysis, and tennis racket dynamics. Served as External/External advisor and led 10+ Olympic cycle projects. Active in the International Sports Engineering Association as Director.