About us

About us

Centre Coordinator:  Herb Groeller

The Centre for Human and Applied Physiology is one research arm of the School of Medicine. Members of this Centre investigate a wide range of mechanistic topics within the realm of human physiology, including cardiovascular, metabolic, muscle, pulmonary and environmental physiology. Since this research often focuses on topics of interest to applied and occupational physiologists, including ergonomics, then the members of this Centre are also very active in these research areas.

The initial funding for the establishment of this Centre was provided in 2009 through the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (Australia), as part of its Centre of Expertise programme. The Centre for Human and Applied Physiology was established as a Centre of Expertise in the Development of Physical Employment Standards.

Currently, three research laboratories are associated with the Centre, under the Human Performance Laboratories, and there are seven academic staff, five research only staff and nine post-graduate students undertaking research within the Centre.

Research and scholastic activities:
  • cardiovascular physiology and rehabilitation
  • clinical research
  • environmental (thermal) physiology
  • ergonomics and human factors
  • exercise physiology
  • exercise and training prescription
  • health and behavioural management
  • human performance: physiological, physical and cognitive
  • measurement and instrument design
  • metabolism
  • muscle mechanics and physiology
  • occupational biomechanics
  • occupational physiology
  • pharmacology
  • physical employment standards
  • preventative health
  • rehabilitation
  • research design
  • pulmonary physiology