BU's research celebrated at the House of Commons

4 May 2012

Bryce Dyer’s research into prosthetic technology has been commended at the House of Commons as part of Universities Week.

Bryce Dyer’s innovative research into prosthetic technology has been recognised by Universities UK as part of Universities Week celebrating the contribution of the higher education sector to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Bryce is Senior Lecturer in Product Design at BU and his work features on the first page of the Universities Week report: University Research, Sport Development and the Olympics. The research focuses on the use and perceptions of prosthetics in elite sporting events. The impact of this will be felt far beyond London 2012, aiming to develop a better understanding of how technology is used in competitive sport, how it performs and if it can be measured.

The research will also help develop a better idea of what is a fair use of technology in disability sport and could be used to inform governing bodies how such technology can be regulated.

Bryce has put his research into good practice recently, as he helped to design the prosthetic limb that will be used by Irish Para-cyclist Colin Lynch at the London Paralympic Games in August.

The launch of the Universities Week report was held at the House of Commons and attended by The Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science; Ed Smith, Chair, British Universities & Colleges Sport; Professor Eric Thomas, President, Universities UK and Professor Rick Rylance, Chair, Research Councils UK.

The report showcases world class university research and aims to increase public awareness of the wide and varied role of the UK's universities and their contribution to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bryce Dyer said at the event: "It’s always great to see that the research we do at Bournemouth University is recognised by the wider community, let alone at such a prestigious venue and in such esteemed company. For me personally, the great thing about undertaking research in disability is that it directly makes a difference to people. As for performance sport, cutting edge research ultimately impacts life in the same way that innovations in Formula 1 impact our cars. The fact that our work (and the team of researchers that contribute to it) stands alongside the best the country has to offer is fantastic."

Universities Week culminates in the BUCS (British Universities and College Sport) Outdoor Athletics Championships at which BU will be represented across several events. The Championships will take place at the London Olympic Stadium, as part of the London Prepares series.