Background
The Institute of Sport Research is a joint research centre established by the Automobile & Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates (ATCUAE) and the University of Ulster. The institute was launched by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the ATCUAE and Vice-President of the FIA, and Professor Richard Barnett, University of Ulster Vice-Chancellor, at the University of Ulster's Jordanstown campus in December 2010.
Objectives
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To create and promote new knowledge of the science and business of sport in the UAE and internationally,
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To conduct research projects for the benefit of its stakeholders,
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To provide further education opportunities for UAE nationals and residents through an internationally acclaimed academic institution,
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To assist in the preparation of proposals for sporting events for regional sporting governing bodies,
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To assist in the preparation of bids for international research projects from world sporting governing bodies, such as the FIA,
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To host events that will benefit the international perception of sport in the UAE, such as conferences and lectures,
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To produce education material, such as academic literature and new technology, that can be used domestically and abroad,
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To create new working relationships with partners including governmental bodies and additional higher education colleges.
Academic Board
Chairman
Mr Mohammed Ben Sulayem
President of the ATCUAE and a Vice-President of the FIA. An acclaimed competitor in his own right, his record of fourteen FIA Middle East Rally Championships is unlikely to ever be beaten. Mr Ben Sulayem has a keen interest in education and research so that sport becomes ' knowledge led '. He will co edit a academic book on Sport Management to be published next year and has research interest in Ethics and Governance in sport.
Vice-Chairman
Dr. Sean O'Connor
Dr. Sean O'Connor has thirty years experience in the marketing and management of international sport. In the early 1980s he pioneered the communication of the successful Marlboro motorsport programme in the Middle East and later WRC. He was the co founder and promoter of Rally Ireland, which generated the highest TV, figures on its debut in the WRC series. He has lectured at Dublin Institute of Technology where he was awarded a MPhil in 2005, he holds a MA for DCU in Political Communication and successfully defended his PhD at the University of Ulster in 2011. He is a Director of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE and has been published in a range of academic and professional journals.
Academic Board Chairman
Professor David Hassan
Professor David Hassan will head the Academic Board. A Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow at the University of Ulster, Dr Hassan is one of Europe's most respected academics in the field of sport research. A prolific academic writer and editor, Dr Hassan has conducted research projects on behalf of organisations such as the FIA, and the Special Olympics. He is also a Visiting Professor at Griffith University, Australia, and the University of Technology, Sydney.
Research
Research Reports
Educational Opportunities
The Institute of Sport Research offers a unique opportunity for people involved in sport to pursue a Masters or PhD degree through research, and currently has seven students registered at the University of Ulster. No lectures are required as the degrees are based solely of the production of a research thesis. The Masters degree programme is open to holders of an undergraduate degree, i.e. a bachelors, or those who have a significant level of experience within the sports sector. If you are interested in more information, please contact Dr. Sean O’Connor.