Overview
Background
I am a sport scientist with a background in exercise physiology who has focused on applying cutting-edge science and technology to improve human performance, healthspan, and high-performance systems. My work bridges elite sport, health span, and application of sport technology.
With over 30 years of experience across Olympic sport, professional teams, and health technology startups, I specialise in designing high-performance environments that integrate science, coaching, and technology to drive measurable results.
Core expertise and keywords:
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High-performance sport and human performance
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Sport science and exercise physiology
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Wearable technology and data analytics
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Healthspan optimization and longevity
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Talent identification and performance systems
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Innovation strategy and multidisciplinary teams
I currently hold a conjoint role with the University of Queensland and the Queensland Academy of Sport where I am the Head of the Research and Innovation Unit. Prior to arriving at the University of Queensland, I worked as the Chief Scientist and Director of Performance for a Silicon Valley performance health science start-up company.
Previously, I held leadership roles with the Philadelphia 76ers (Director of Performance) and the Australian Institute of Sport (Senior Sport Scientist), supporting Olympic and professional athletes through applied research, technology integration, and high-performance team design.
My work connects research with real-world impact, supporting athletes, executives, and organizations seeking a competitive edge through science-driven performance and health innovation.
Availability
- Professor David Martin is:
- Not available for supervision
Research impacts
My research focuses on translating sport science, health, and technology into practical solutions that improve performance, wellbeing, and innovation. I work across elite sport, healthcare, and industry to turn scientific insight into measurable outcomes that benefit athletes, organisations, and the broader community.
At the University of Queensland, I connect academic research with applied practice so that new knowledge leads to real-world improvements in performance systems, health outcomes, and technology development. My work has informed training, recovery, and talent identification strategies used across Olympic and professional sport, including collaborations with the Australian Institute of Sport and the Philadelphia 76ers.
I have also contributed to the development and implementation of wearable technologies, performance analytics, and integrated health assessment systems that are now used in high-performance sport and executive health settings. This research has supported industry partnerships, innovation grants, and the translation of scientific discoveries into practical tools that improve decision-making, resilience, and long-term health.
Through ongoing collaboration with the Queensland Academy of Sport, my work continues to support innovation, athlete development, and evidence-based performance strategies leading into the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Works
Search Professor David Martin’s works on UQ eSpace
2008
Journal Article
Effect of carbohydrate ingestion and ambient temperature on muscle fatigue development in endurance-trained male cyclists
Abiss, C. R., Peiffer, J. J., Peake, J. M., Nosaka, K., Suzuki, K., Martin, D.T. and Laursen, P. B. (2008). Effect of carbohydrate ingestion and ambient temperature on muscle fatigue development in endurance-trained male cyclists. Journal of Applied Physiology, 104 (4), 1021-1028. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00683.2007
2005
Conference Publication
200m Competition Power-Pedaling Rate Relationships In World Class Male And Female Track Sprint Cyclists
Gardner, A.S., Martin, D.T., Barras, M., Jenkins, D.G. and Martin, J.C. (2005). 200m Competition Power-Pedaling Rate Relationships In World Class Male And Female Track Sprint Cyclists. 52nd ACSM Annual Meeting, Nashville, TN United States, 1-4 June 2005. Philadelphia, PA United States: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. doi: 10.1249/00005768-200505001-00452
2004
Journal Article
Accuracy of SRM and power tap power monitoring systems for bicycling
Gardner, A. S., Stephens, S., Martin, D. T., Lawton, E., Lee, H. and Jenkins, D. (2004). Accuracy of SRM and power tap power monitoring systems for bicycling. Medicine And Science In Sports And Exercise, 36 (7), 1252-1258. doi: 10.1249/01.MSS.0000132380.21785.03
2003
Conference Publication
Physiological responses of well trained cyclists to field and laboratory mountain bike race simulations
Linaker, K . L., Martin, D. T., Lawton, E., Rattray, B., Kusnanik, N. W. and Roberts, A. D. (2003). Physiological responses of well trained cyclists to field and laboratory mountain bike race simulations. American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting 2003, San Diego, CA United States, 2003. Maryland Heights, MO United States: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
2002
Journal Article
Differences in physiological test results and cross country skiing race performance of a pair of identical twins
Roberts, A. D., Daley, P. J., Martin, D. T., Hahn, A. G., Gore, C. J. and Spence, R. (2002). Differences in physiological test results and cross country skiing race performance of a pair of identical twins. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 5 (3), 236-240. doi: 10.1016/S1440-2440(02)80008-1
2002
Conference Publication
Effects of A 12-Day "live-high, train low" cycling camp on 4-min and 30-min Performance
Martin, D., Hahn, A., Lee, H., Roberts, A., Victor, J. and Gore, C. (2002). Effects of A 12-Day "live-high, train low" cycling camp on 4-min and 30-min Performance. 49th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine held in conjunction with the Sixth IOC (Inernational Olympic Committee) World Congress on Sport Sciences, St Louis, MO United States, 28 May-1 June 2002. Maryland Heights, MO United States: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
2002
Conference Publication
A comparison of the physiological demands of well-trained cyclists to field and laboratory mountain bike race simulation
Linaker, k. L., Martin, D. T., Lawton, E., Rattray, B. and Roberts, A. D. (2002). A comparison of the physiological demands of well-trained cyclists to field and laboratory mountain bike race simulation. Australian Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport 2002: Sports Medicine and Science at the Extremes, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 12-16 October 2002. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier.
Supervision
Availability
- Professor David Martin is:
- Not available for supervision
Supervision history
Completed supervision
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Physiques that perform: The interaction between body composition management, performance and calcium homeostasis in female cyclists
Associate Advisor
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2005
Doctor Philosophy
DEVELOPMENT OF POWER OUTPUT IN TRACK SPRINT CYCLISTS
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
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