Thomas Allen

Dr Thomas Allen is a Reader in Sports Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University, focusing on the application of engineering principles to sport, including performance enhancement, injury prevention, and equipment design. He holds a PhD in Sports Engineering and is a Chartered Engineer. His roles include Editor-in-Chief of Sports Engineering, External Examiner for multiple universities, and leadership in the UK Metamaterials Network’s Health Challenge.

Education: PhD in Sports Engineering; Chartered Engineer (IMechE); Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA). His research integrates biomechanics, material science, and predictive modeling, with projects on auxetic/metamaterials for sports equipment, injury mitigation in sports like skiing and cricket, and 3D printing applications in dentistry and apparel. He collaborates with sports brands and organizations globally.

Awards include Fellowships from IMechE and HEA. He has supervised over a dozen PhD students, with topics ranging from finite element modeling to bio-inspired climbing shoe design. Media engagements include BBC, Sky News, and international print outlets discussing sport technology and injury prevention.

He chairs the Sports Engineering Group at IMechE and serves on BSI committees for sports protective equipment standards. His teaching spans advanced engineering analysis and sports engineering design projects, emphasizing public health through accessible sports technology.