Sports Technology Institute

About us

Professor Andy Harland BEng DIS PhD CEng MIMechE

Photo of Professor Andy Harland

Institute Director

Associate Dean Enterprise

Research Interests

Professor Harland is active in research across a broad range of topics related to sport, including measurement and instrumentation in sport, product design and development, injury prevention and simulation. 

A number of projects have been concerned with sports footwear, apparel, protective gear and hard-goods, with particular focus on a wide range of hollow and solid sports balls. He has supervised over 20 PhD students.

Professor Harland’s research in soccer balls has been applied by adidas in tournament balls used in FIFA world cups since 2006 and UEFA European Championships since 2004 and his research in cricket helmet impacts underpinned the revision of the British Standard 7928:2013; Specification for Head Protection for Cricketers.

Professor Harland has partnered with a wide range of industrial, commercial and charitable bodies, including adidas, FIFA, England and Wales Cricket Board, International Cricket Council, BISFed and FIH.

Professor Harland has also supported a number of start-up businesses including Alcuris, Incus, Nymbl and Shot Scope and is keen to support ideas through to commercialisation.

Teaching Interests

  • Module leader for Part B “Measurement and Experimental Design”
  • Module leader for Part B “Applied Sports Technology”
  • Final year and MSc projects are offered on topics related to research interests.

External Roles

  • Loughborough University Sports Committee
  • Loughborough University Enterprise Committee
  • Referee for various Engineering, Technology and Sports Journals
  • Consultant to various industrial and commercial partners and sports governing bodies.