The Biomechanics Research and Innovation Challenge: Development, Implementation, Uptake, and Reflections on the Inaugural Program
File version
Accepted Manuscript (AM)
Author(s)
Barzan, Martina
Besomi, Manuela
Brackley, Victoria
Bousie, Jaquelin A
Choisne, Julie
Diamond, Laura E
Dick, Taylor JM
D'Souza, Nicole
Fien, Samantha
Yan, Alycia Fong
Gho, Sheridan A
Giraldo-Pedroza, Alexandra
Hutchinson, Laura A
Hutchison, Laura
et al.
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract
Biomechanics as a discipline is ideally placed to increase awareness and participation of girls and women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. A nationwide Biomechanics and Research Innovation Challenge (BRInC) centered on mentoring and role modeling was developed to engage high school girls (mentees) and early-mid-career women (mentors) in the field of biomechanics through the completion of a 100-day research and/or innovation project. This manuscript describes the development, implementation, and uptake of the inaugural BRInC program and synthesizes the research and innovation projects undertaken, providing a framework for adoption of this program within the global biomechanics community. Eighty-seven high school girls in years 9 and 10 (age range: 14–16 y) were mentored in teams (n = 17) by women in biomechanics (n = 24). Using a design thinking approach, teams generated solutions to biomechanics-based problem(s)/research question(s). Eight key reflections on program strengths, as well as areas for improvement and planned changes for future iterations of the BRInC program, are outlined. These key reflections highlight the innovation, impact, and scalability of the program; the importance of a program framework and effective communication tools; and implementation of strategies to sustain the program as well as the importance of diversity and building a sense of community.
Journal Title
Journal of Applied Biomechanics
Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
40
Issue
2
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
This work is covered by copyright. You must assume that re-use is limited to personal use and that permission from the copyright owner must be obtained for all other uses. If the document is available under a specified licence, refer to the licence for details of permitted re-use. If you believe that this work infringes copyright please make a copyright takedown request using the form at https://www.griffith.edu.au/copyright-matters.
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject
Clinical sciences
Biomedical engineering
Sports science and exercise
Persistent link to this record
Citation
Coltman, CE; Barzan, M; Besomi, M; Brackley, V; Bousie, JA; Choisne, J; Diamond, LE; Dick, TJM; D'Souza, N; Fien, S; Yan, AF; Gho, SA; Giraldo-Pedroza, A; Hutchinson, LA; Hutchison, L; et al., The Biomechanics Research and Innovation Challenge: Development, Implementation, Uptake, and Reflections on the Inaugural Program, Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 2024, 40 (2), pp. 155-165