SPRINT-PRR PROJECT

Introduction

SPRINT's mission is to enhance sports performance and to investigate ways to promote an active and healthy lifestyle among the population by transferring knowledge from applied and interdisciplinary research to society. SPRINT emphasizes a technological, sustainable, and innovative research approach.

Objectives

SPRINT's main objectives include to: a) Develop applied research in the field of sports sciences; b) Create conditions for the development of research activities and specific scientific training aimed at engaging young researchers and students at different educational levels; c) Generate scientific employment opportunities for young researchers; d) Drive the conception, registration, and management of intellectual property, including trademarks, designs, and patents; e) Contribute to regional and national development by establishing research and development hubs in the field of sports sciences in different regions of the country and coordination with other areas; f) Establish networks, protocols, and partnerships at the national and international levels.

Objectives of the PRR project 

Based on SPRINT’s mission, objectives, and activity plan (2025–2029), the type of equipment that best supports the research center should align with three core pillars: performance, health, and knowledge transfer, while ensuring sustainability, innovation, and training opportunities for researchers and students.

SPRINT should prioritize high-impact, modular, and portable equipment that bridges sport performance labs, community health promotion, and innovation ecosystems.

New and existing equipment will allow the 8 HEI to respond to the Strategic Plan, as follows:

Supporting fundamental and applied research (objectives a & e): specialized biomechanical, physiological, and rehabilitation equipment and software enable cutting-edge applied research in sports and health sciences.

Fostering advanced training and young researchers (objectives b & c): shared labs across the country, portable systems, and digital platforms allow hands-on experiences and research projects at different educational levels.

Fostering innovation and intellectual property (objective d): prototyping and digital innovation equipment encourage patent development, spin-offs, and commercialization.

Promoting national & international networks and partnerships (objective f): advanced digital platforms (eg, hybrid event systems) facilitate collaboration nationally (eg sport sciences higher education network: http://redepolitecnicosdesporto.com/) and internationally (eg, SPRINT is involved in 8 European Universities Alliances: https://sprint-sci.com/pt/servicos-sociedade/internacionalizacao/universidades-europeias), and foster the connection with stakeholders (eg, sport federations).

Participating in research networks or infrastructures, especially via its biomechanics & physiology labs.

Supporting sustainability and community engagement: portable/mobile labs and eco-friendly monitoring tools allow outreach to communities, municipalities, and sports clubs, reducing barriers to participation.

Locations

From an organizational point of view, SPRINT brings together infrastructure, equipment, and human resources from the 8 Higher Education Institutions: Polytechnic Universities of Santarém, Viana do Castelo, Castelo Branco, Guarda, Beja, Coimbra, Setúbal, and Algarve University. This territorial coverage results in strong structural and laboratory capacity. Regarding facilities, it has two specialized Higher Education Schools in Sport Sciences (in Rio Maior and Melgaço) and 6 Education Schools (in Castelo Branco, Guarda, Beja, Coimbra, Setúbal, and Faro) offering training, services, and research opportunities in Sport and Health Sciences. Therefore, SPRINT includes nine laboratories in those locations (eg, Assessment of Sports Performance, Exercise and Health; Physiology and Biomechanics; Fitness; Outdoor Sports; Sports Management; Sports Pedagogy, Human Performance Analysis), and several facilities, as well as established partnerships. As the objective of this program is to improve, enhance, and complement systems and software in existing facilities (laboratories) in 8 higher education schools of sport or education, no building adaptations will be necessary.