Optimising human-technology integration
About Sam
Sam Robertson is a researcher and consultant focusing on developing methods and systems to optimise integrations between humans and technology. He specialises in collaborative projects that connect sporting teams, technology companies, governing bodies and universities to generate mutual and broad benefit for a range of stakeholders.
Sam’s work and research has spanned topics such as sports innovation, skill acquisition, sports analytics, organisational decision-making, and technology strategy.
He has worked with a range of sporting organisations including FIFA, The Australian Football League, San Antonio Spurs, Tennis Australia, Barça Innovation Hub, Kansas City Royals and the Western Bulldogs amongst others.
Sam is a Professor at Victoria University and also the host of the popular future of sport podcast, One Track Mind.
Biography
Hailing from the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, Sam has been involved in the sports industry for over 20 years. Completing his undergraduate and Masters degrees in the early 2000’s, Sam spent time in various roles in Europe and the UK before returning to Australia to undertake his PhD at Edith Cowan University in Perth, under the supervision of Professor Angus Burnett and Professor Rob Newton. Conducted in partnership with Golf Australia, the thesis blended elements of biomechanics, skill acquisition and performance analysis as well as the then still emerging area of sports analytics. Throughout this time, Sam also worked part time with various Australian football programs throughout Western Australia. Following completion of his PhD, Sam moved to Deakin University in Melbourne where he worked as a lecturer in Biomechanics before moving to Victoria University in 2014 to lead the sport science partnership with the AFL club, the Western Bulldogs. During this time until his departure in 2018, he performed multiple roles across sport science, game day coaching and innovation. From 2018 to 2023, Sam’s focus was on developing Victoria University’s sports partners, research and commercial activity, as well as supervising sports researchers and PhD students.