Driving innovation for Queensland athletes: QAS partners with Catapult Sports

Through the partnership, Catapult will become a QAS Research and Innovation Partner and provide seed funding for the QAS Rapid Research Fund. This investment will allow the QAS to respond more quickly to emerging performance questions and turn new ideas into practical solutions for athletes and coaches.

The partnership will also support the ongoing role of Professor Allan Hahn, the newly appointed QAS–Catapult Distinguished Sport Innovation Fellow. Widely recognised as one of Australia’s most influential sports scientists, Professor Hahn has driven innovation in high-performance sport and supported QAS programs for more than 15 years through his applied research expertise.

QAS CEO Troy Ayres said the partnership strengthens the organisation’s ability to deliver world-leading high-performance support.

“This partnership with Catapult is about bringing together great minds to solve real performance challenges,” Ayres said. “Supporting Allan’s ongoing advisory role and enabling rapid research projects means we can give athletes and coaches the insights they need, when they need them. It is an investment in innovation that will benefit Queensland athletes on the road to LA2028 and Brisbane 2032.”

Professor Hahn said he looked forward to deepening collaboration with Catapult and accelerating the QAS’s applied research efforts.

“It is exciting to see the QAS and Catapult come together with a shared focus on helping athletes perform at their best,” he said. “This partnership allows us to move faster on new ideas and ensure our research has a direct and meaningful impact on training, recovery and performance.”

QAS Head of Research and Innovation Dr David Martin said Allan’s ongoing contribution would continue to shape the next era of high-performance support in Queensland.

“Allan has had an extraordinary impact on high-performance sport in Australia,” Martin said.

“His ability to turn complex research into practical solutions for athletes and coaches is unmatched. To have Catapult support his role ensures his expertise continues to benefit our supported athletes, staff and the wider high-performance community.”

Catapult Founder and Director Shaun Holthouse said the partnership reflects Catapult’s deep connection to Australian sports science.

“We are delighted to support the QAS and especially Dr Allan Hahn in their research endeavours. Allan, along with Clive Davenport, created the research projects that became Catapult. We owe everything to their remarkable vision and hard work. Allan really is one of the fathers of sports science in Australia and I know I am just one of many who are deeply grateful for his humble leadership and generosity in the field.” Holthouse said.

“Innovation is at the core of Catapult, and this partnership will help create new insights and stronger performance environments for Queensland athletes.”

Visit Catapult | Sports Technology | Unleash Potential for more information.