"Lab-developed technology a boon to today's athletes"

At this year's EPFL Information Days, Pascal Vuilliomenet, an EPFL project manager for sports innovation, gave would-be students a cross-disciplinary talk on the latest technological advancements in his field. As in prior years, over 3,000 prospective students came from across Switzerland to attend EPFL's Information Days and learn about the different degree programs available at the School. They also attended talks on technological advancements in promising fields like energy transition, medtech and data science, as part of a new feature added in 2016. The presentation on sports innovation was included for the first time this year. How are technology and sports related? - Just like in biomedicine, where technology can enable doctors to carry out less invasive treatments, develop artificial tissue and prescribe personalized therapies, advancements in sporting equipment can enhance performance, aerodynamics, and ergonomics - allowing athletes to push the limits of their sport even further. So will their exploits be human or technology-driven? - Modern technology can make poles more resistant, skis more flexible and tennis rackets lighter, meaning they are safer and easier for athletes to use. But the records that athletes set will remain a product of their individual or team performance, as they should.