UQ students ‘hack’ their way to sustainable sport
Imagine having to create an innovative solution to drive social, financial and environmental change within the sporting events industry – all in just 48 hours.
That was the task faced by two University of Queensland teams as part of the 2024 SportsPro Hackathon, an international competition where students are given a unique set of problems and a set time to develop solutions.
Key Points
- Two UQ teams were the first in Australia to compete in the SportsPro Hackathon
- 15 students from multiple faculties competed, mentored by researchers with expertise in sport, business and sustainability
- Each team had just 48 hours to solve one of three challenges addressing sustainability in sport
The UQ teams celebrate after completing the SportsPro Hackathon, alongside UQ's Professor Stephen Townsend and Professor John Cairney
The UQ teams celebrate after completing the SportsPro Hackathon, alongside UQ's Professor Stephen Townsend and Professor John Cairney
Dr Stephen Townsend from the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences said UQ was the first Australian university to compete in the event, giving the students the opportunity to be mentored by some of the biggest names in the business of world sport.
“We were approached by SportsPro, a London-based sports marketing company, because of UQ’s global reputation in sport-related subjects - ranked number 2 in the world, 1st in Australia,” Dr Townsend said.
"UQ is heavily invested in creating positive local and global legacies from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we believe our graduates will be key to this."
He added that the university had engaged with SportsPro for other projects, including a large study of sport leadership.
"The Hackathon and that study represent a unique partnership between a leading Sports media company and UQ," Dr Townsend said.
“The SportsPro Hackathon is an early opportunity to engage some of our best and brightest students across a range of disciplines with the skills, mentors, and concepts required to ensure the games leave a sustainable and positive legacy for everyone.”
Participation in the event was funded and led by The Queensland Centre for Olympic and Paralympic Studies and brought together expertise from across the university.
Emelia Hennegan-Smith is in her fourth year of a Bachelor of Arts/Laws (Honours) at UQ, majoring in political science and sports studies.
“I really enjoy both playing and learning about sport and would love to combine this with my degree to eventually practice law in the sporting field,” Ms Hennegan-Smith said.
“I also enjoyed contract law, so working with sporting contracts is the dream.
"I’ve never participated in a hackathon before, which makes this opportunity both exciting and a little nerve wracking, especially as it comes with the opportunity to be mentored by so many amazing professionals."
(L-R) SportsPro Hackathon participants Rex Chen and Emelia Hennegan-Smith
Master of Business Administration student Rex Chen is an experienced competitor, having participated in up to 20 hackathons.
“I keep coming back for the people, their energy, and the great ideas that come from these events,” Mr Chen said.
“The sustainability theme of the SportsPro Hackathon closely aligns with my current job where I help complex organisations and government departments navigate investment decisions and capital planning in a way that considers the long-term environmental, social, and financial outcomes.”
(L-R) SportsPro Hackathon participants Rex Chen and Emelia Hennegan-Smith
(L-R) SportsPro Hackathon participants Rex Chen and Emelia Hennegan-Smith
UQ’s participation in the SportsPro Hackathon has involved the faculties of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Business, Economics and Law, and Ventures.
“It’s a real sign of cross faculty collaboration in action,” Dr Townsend said.
"UQ is a comprehensive research institution, so we were able to bring together students from multiple faculties and programs, as well as researchers with expertise in sport, business, and sustainability to mentor them."
Dr Townsend said it was a valuable experience for the UQ students.
“The most impressive aspect of our students’ participation in the Hackathon was not necessarily their strong expertise and research skills – but the level of energy and dedication they brought to the challenges,” Dr Townsend said.
“We can’t wait to see our students build on this experience and take that into what will undoubtedly be bright university careers, and beyond.
“We will expand and refine our preparation for the competition, and hopefully come away with a win in 2025.”
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