Thomas Allen

Dr Thomas Allen is a Reader in Sports Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University and a Chartered Engineer. His research focuses on enhancing sports performance, participation, and injury prevention through advanced engineering techniques. He collaborates extensively with sports brands and organizations, applying finite element analysis, material characterization, and experimental mechanics to sports equipment and apparel.

• PhD in Sports Engineering
• Chartered Engineer (IMechE)
• Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)

His research interests include:

• Sports injury prevention
• Auxetic materials and metamaterials for sports applications
• 3D printing in dentistry
• Bio-inspired climbing shoe design
• Human responses to 3D forms
• Finite element modeling of protective gear (e.g., snowboard wrist protectors, rugby padding)

Dr Allen has supervised numerous PhD students, including those exploring:

• Murbay, S. - 3D printing accuracy in dentistry
• Cárdenas, A. - Metamaterials for sports
• Shepherd, T. - Auxetic materials in sports
• Ascenso, G. - Markerless swimmer motion tracking

He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Sports Engineering and has organized international conferences, including the Winter Schools of the International Sports Engineering Association. His media appearances span BBC, Sky News, and international radio, discussing sports technology and health.