Research Council

The VIS is committed to supporting and driving research and innovation. We do this by facilitating, partnering, and in some cases funding research projects that drive high performance outcomes and keep VIS athletes at the forefront of sport.

Building on a strong legacy of collaboration and excellence, the VIS conducts and supports research aligned to strategic priorities.

Established in 2022, the VIS Research Council provides strategic oversight of the institute’s research investment. The Research Council is responsible for:

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Co-design of high impact projects including working with university partners, National Sports Organisations (NSOs), National Institute Network (NINs) and the VIS athlete advisory committee.

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Supporting integration and implementation within VIS sports.

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Awarding funding.

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Ensuring research findings are translated and integrated into day-to-day practice.

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Developing research policies and resources.

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VIS EXPERT

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Dr. Ebonie Rio

VIS Professor of Research

RESEARCH PRIORITIES

The Developing Athlete

Long term athlete development
Adolescent considerations
Skill development

The Holistic Athlete

Holistic profiling and monitoring
Training individualisation
Psychology, health and wellbeing impact on performance

The Female Athlete

Female athlete performance, training and health
Injury prevention

The Effective Coach

Coach and performance support integration
Communication methods
Leadership and skill development

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FUNDED RESEARCH PROPOSALS

These projects should align with VIS research priorities (listed above) and have a direct impact on VIS sporting programs.

VIS research proposals require a VIS lead researcher to be actively involved in all stages, including design.
Prior to submission, proposals should have established program and/or discipline support and National Sport Organisation (NSO) support, where applicable.
Ethical approval will be required.
Results must be disseminated to all relevant stakeholders.
Co-investment from a research partner will be required for project funding requests of more than $10,000.

Examples of research proposals include embedded postgraduate students; multi-National Institute Network (NIN) / NSO projects; and projects focused on improving system efficiency (e.g. improved use of data).

Submit research proposal

RESEARCH SUPPORT REQUESTS

This form is for applications and projects which are requesting a non-cash contribution from the VIS.

For example:

External ethics have been obtained for the project, and access to or assistance with the recruitment of VIS staff or athletes is being requested (i.e. for a questionnaire or focus group).
VIS support is being requested to submit an external funding or ethics application (i.e. AIS Research Grant Partner Organisation).

Submit research support request

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HAVE A QUESTION?

Submit an enquiry and a member of the VIS Research Council will get back to you.

RESEARCH NEWS

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25 February 2026

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Dr Ebonie Rio will be embedded as Professor of Research at Victoria’s Olympic and Paralympic training hub. The Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) and La Trobe University today announced the appointment of Dr Ebonie Rio as Professor of Research, a joint role that will embed world-leading injury prevention and performance science directly into the daily…

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