Dr. Blaž Lešnik, born on 4th of May 1968 in Ljubljana.
1974 - 1987 Primary and High school: Maribor
1989 - 1994 Undergraduate study: University of Ljubljana, Faculty of sport
1994 - 1996 Master’s degree: University of Ljubljana, Faculty of sport
1996 - 1999 Doctoral thesis: University of Ljubljana, Faculty of sport
1994... Associate Professor at the University of Ljubljana, Alpine skiing department
1985 - 1994 Ski instructor/Trainer of alpine skiing at Ski Instructors and Trainers Association of Slovenia (SITAS)
1994 - 1996 Member of Alpine demonstration ski team of Slovenia
1996 - 2000 Member of University of Ljubljana/Faculty of sport Alpine ski demo team
2000 - 2003 Ski instructors training leader at SITAS
2003 - 2007 President of the State Examination Commission at SITAS
2007... President and Director of Ski Instructors and Trainers Association of Slovenia.
2008 Thanksgiving document of the Slovenian Science Foundation
Mag. Dr. Erich Müller, born on 22 March 1953.
Grammar School Feldkirch: 1963 – 1971; A – level
University of Innsbruck: 1971 – 1976; M.A.; Sport Science, brPhilosophy; English
University of Innsbruck: 1976 – 1980; Ph. D. (Kinesiology; Sport Science)
University of Innsbruck: 1986 University Docent (Dr. habil.)
Vice-Rector of the University of Salzburg 2011 –
Full Professorship in Sport Science (Biomechanics –Training Theory) since 1993; Head of the Department Sport Science at the University of Salzburg 1994 – 2011
Previous: Associate Professor at the University of Innsbruck 1987 – 1993
President Elect of the European College of Sport Science 2017 - 2019
Member of the Executive board of the European College of Sport Science 2015 -
President of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS):
2005 – 2007
Member of the World Council of Biomechanics 2006 – 2018
Director of the Christian Doppler Laboratory “Biomechanics in Skiing” in Salzburg
2004 - 2012
Chair of the 1st, 2nd , 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th World Congresses on Science and Skiing in 1996, 2000, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016 in St. Christoph a. A., Austria
Chair of the 8th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science 2003, Salzburg
General Secretary of the European College of Sport Science
2001 - 2003
Chair of the Steering Group „Science in Skiing“ of the World Commission of Sport Science since 1996
Chair of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Medical Commission Symposium “Biomechanics in Ski Jumping” 2001
President of the Austrian Society of Sport Sciences 1995 – 1998
Section Editor of the European Journal of Sport Science (2001-1005)
Member of the editorial board of the following peer review journals: European Journal of Sport Science; Journal of Sports Science and Medicine; Kinesiology; Leistungssport; Spectrum der Sportwissenschaft
Member of many national and international sports science and sports medicine associations
Many keynote and invited speeches on international congresses
Director of more than 10 long term research projects funded by research foundations like FWF, FFF, ÖNB, CDG, etc.
Scientific Consultant of the International Skiing Federation (F.I.S.)
Scientific Consultant of the International Skiing Industry Association (SRS)
International Prize for Science and Research of the City of Salzburg 2005
Prize for Science and Research of the City of Innsbruck 1990
Enhancement of performance and injury risk management are the main goals Biomechanics can contribute to in elite Alpine skiing. The areas in which biomechanics can be applied in the training process are very diverse. In the first and very challenging area movement technique characteristics which essentially influence performance are analysed via biomechanical methods. Based on these analyses sport specific test batteries have to be developed in order to allow the determination of individual, current performance levels and of performance progress. The second area tries to improve the quality of the training process by developing sport specific training devices and exercises. In the third area feedback systems should be provided during the training session in order to minimize intervention times.
Biomechanical technique analysis and performance diagnostics are essential measures to enhance the quality of training and furthermore the performance of the athletes. Three main aspects have to be considered when biomechanical methods are used in technique analysis and performance diagnostics: (1) the precision of the parameters determined and the accuracy of the measurement system, (2) the parameters determined have to be as technique specific as possible and (3) the athlete should not be severely interfered by the measurement system. The efficiency of the training also depends on the quality of performance tests available.
For the development of specific training exercises the principle of kinematic and kinetic correspondence has to be taken into consideration. This principle states that the special exercises must be in harmony with those parameters of movement which characterise the structure of competition technique. A coordinative affinity between training and competition exercises has the advantage that it results in favourable training stimuli in the musculature relevant to the specific movement. In addition suitable feedback systems can significantly contribute to shortening acquisition time according to the principle of objectively supplementing rapid and immediate information.
In the near future training concepts in elite sport will have to consider individuality in performance as well as in adaptation to training stimuli. Biomechanics will have to focus on intra-individual movement variability to look for optimal movement techniques. This needs more emphasis on multiple single-individual designs to address issues such as individual signatures of movement coordination and optimisation of performance, rather than group designes.
Ph.D. Values, Narrative and Authenticity: A Study of Youth Expeditions in the 1990s.
BA Outdoor Education in the Community
BTEC National Diploma In Leisure Studies (7 Merits & 7 Distinctions).
7 O' Levels, 3 GCSE.
September 96 - August 2000: Jordanhill Campus. University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
October '91 July ’94: Jordanhill Campus. University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
September '89 July '91: Craven College. Skipton, North Yorkshire.
September '82 April '89: King James' School. Knaresborough, North Yorkshire.
Associate Professor: Recreation, Park and Tourism Management / Shavers Creek. The Pennsylvania State University (2016 – Present) Full Time
Fellow – Rock Ethics Institute
Senior Lecturer in values and experiential learning, The University of Edinburgh (0.2 Contract 2016 – Present)
Global Fellow – Academy of Sport, The University of Edinburgh.
Affiliate - Penn State Center for the Study of Sports and Society
Journal Reviewing, Acta Universitatis Carolinae Kinanthropologica, Annals of Leisure Research, Asian Journal of Exercise and Sport Science, Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, Cambridge Journal of Education, Educational Sciences, Environmental Education Research, European Physical Education Review, International Journal of Cultural Relations, Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Leadership, Journal of Experiential Education, Journal of Leisure Research, Leisure Studies, Journal of Youth Studies, Learning and Individual Differences, Online International Journal of Art and Humanities, Qualitative Research, Quest: Official Journal of National Association of Kinesiology and Physical Education in Higher Education, Teaching and Teacher Education, Youth and Society.
PhD, EdD and MSc External Examining: University of Queensland, University of Wollongong, Sheffield Hallam University, University of Melbourne, The University of Exeter, University of Otago, Laurentian University, University of Central Lancashire, University of Greenwich, Indiana University, Newcastle University.
IVSS Presidium Member: International Association Snowsports at Schools and Universities (IVSS) 2016 - present
Associate Editor: Journal of Experiential Education
Head of Graduate School of Education and Sport, The University of Edinburgh, 2015-2016
Senior Lecturer in values and experiential learning, The University of Edinburgh
Advisor on research to Sail Training International
Contract Research and credit rating (SCQF) for British Association of Snowsport Instructors, Scottish Government (Local Education Authorities), British Exploring Society, Tempus Quality Enhancement Project (Kosovo).
PhD Internal Examining: The University of Edinburgh.
Invited member of the Duke of Edinburgh strategic planning group (Scotland) 2008 – 2016.
Invited core advisory group Character Scotland Pathway Project August 2015-16.
Visiting Professor, University of New Hampshire, April 2015.
Visiting Professor, University of Utah. March-April 2015.
Convenor Teaching Programme Review (TPR), Postgraduate Programme Review (PPR) – School of Law autumn 2014
Depute Director Post Graduate Studies (School of Education) 2011 – 2014
Depute Head of Institute, Institute Sport, PE and Health Sciences 2010 – 2011
Trustee, The Spirit of Adventure Foundation (Colin Mortlock)
BSES at the RGS. Invited Expeditions Committee Member 2009 - 2013.
External examiner: Manchester Metropolitan University. MA Outdoor Education 2010 - 2013.
Governor, Stirlingshire Educational Trust 2009 – 2011.
Validation Committee, External Expert: BA/BSc Outdoor Education validation, Liverpool John Moores University. September 2010.
Validation Committee, External advisor: BA/BSc Outdoor Education validation for relationship with National Institute of Education (Singapore), Liverpool John Moores University. January 2011.
Tenure and promotions assessment – Simon Fraser University, 2010; University of New Hampshire, 2011; Brock University, 2012; University of Minnesota, 2014.
Convenor, School of Education Conference Travel Fund 2007-10.
School of Education, Research Committee member 2007-10.
Validation Committee, External Expert: MA Outdoor Education validation, Manchester Metropolitan University. February 2010.
Visiting Professor, Indiana University. January 2014.
Visiting professor Warren Wilson College, North Carolina. February 2009.
Visiting Professor – Minnesota State University, Department of Educational Leadership, USA. 2002, 2003, 2010.
Visiting Professor – Georgia College and State University, USA. 2003.
Visiting Professor – Lakehead University, Canada. 2004.
MSc Examining: University of Melbourne.
Journal Advisory Committee, Journal of Experiential Education. 2002 – 2009.
External examiner: St. Martins College – Lancaster University. BA/BSc Outdoor Studies. 2003–2007.
Board of Directors - Association for Experiential Education (USA). 2002-2005.
External advisor: University College Chichester. BA Adventure Education. 2005.
Reviewer conference proceedings 2004, Association for Experiential Education Annual Conference.
Founder and Editor: Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning. 1999 – 2005.
Lead External examiner: Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College: Outdoor Education and Adventure Recreation. 2000–2004.
University of Edinburgh, Expeditions Committee. 2002 – 2003.
External Examiner: University of Edinburgh: Outdoor Education with Environmental Studies.
Validation Committee, External Expert: BA/BSc Outdoor Studies, University College St Martins.
Validation Committee, Internal Member: BSc Sports Therapy, BSc Biokinetics - University College Chichester.
Validation Committee External Expert: BA Adventure Education - University College Chichester.
Senior Lecturer in Adventure Education, University College Chichester.
Lecturer, Outdoor Education, Sport & Art BA degree at Strathclyde University.
AEE Awards Committee 1997-2000.
Founder & Co–ordinator Leadership Development — BSESE 1998–2001.
BSES Expeditions Committee member. 1997 – 2003.
Membership Secretary; Scotland’s Alternative Skiers 1996-98.
Senior Associate at Bradford Woods, Indiana University. Professional Development Centre 1994-96.
2017 Strategic Initiatives Seed Grant ($250,000) – IN REVIEW
2017 Donald M. and Virginia Miller Cook Teaching Endowment ($1500)
2017 New Faculty Teaching Grant – Schreyer Institute of Teaching ($200)
2014 Sustainable structures on quality assurance, international relations and student support services at the newly founded Public University Haxhi Zeka (Euros 577,860)
2014 Scottish Government, SCQF Credit rating (£118,325)
2013 British Exploring Society (£3,906) Principal Investigator.
2013 BASI (£22k) PI. SCQF Credit Rating.
2012 A Longitudinal Study Investigating Student Perspectives on Generic Research Methods Courses PTAS (£10k) Co PrincipaI Investigator.
2012 British Schools Exploring Society (£3,988) Principal Investigator.
2009 Consultant to Sail Training International (£15k) Self Assessment Toolkit.
2007 Scottish Natural Heritage & Scottish National Parks (£70k). Principal Investigator.
2005 Sail Training International (£72k). Co Principal Investigator.
2003 Development Trust Research Fund (£4.5k). Principal Investigator.
2001 Scottish Natural Heritage (£5k). Principal Investigator.
Lead Facilitator, Connecting Cultures, Oman
Expedition Leader: Kilimanjaro 2001
Fellow – British Exploring Society (Honorary Inaugural Fellow)
Fellow - Royal Geographical Society
Fellow – Young Explorers Trust (Inaugural Fellow)
Fellow – Higher Education Academy
Fellow – The Explorers Club of New York
2010. Stephenson Award (Young Explorers Trust) for ‘outstanding service to youth expeditions’.
2011-12 – Edinburgh University Students Association teaching awards: Nominated excellent teaching
2011-12 – Edinburgh University Students Association teaching awards: Nominated Best overall teacher
2013-14 – Edinburgh University Students Association teaching awards: Nominated Best researcher or dissertation supervisor
2015-16 – Edinburgh University Students Association teaching awards: Nominated Best feedback award
2016. Hazel Bain Award (British Association of Snowsports Instructors) for ‘outstanding dedication to the needs of the association over and above what would be expected’.
2016 -17– Edinburgh University Students Association teaching awards: Nominated Best researcher or dissertation supervisor
Reading Travel
Mountaineering
Skiing
Running / Crossfit
Whilst the skills and attributes needed to teach snowsports to a high and effective level are often well recognised and valued within the snowsports sector, they are often overlooked in other fields such as higher education, and therefore, not valued in various other career pathways. IVSS have worked to promote the development of snowsports in educational systems around the world through collaborations, various events and sharing of resources. Over the past seven years, the British Association of Snowsports Instructors (BASI) has been undergoing a curriculum review and development process to align their qualifications with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and further enhance the quality and consistency of the courses. The alignment process has enabled the skills developed to be expressed to a much wider audience, opening ‘doors’ outside of the snowsports sector for members. The PSIA-AASI are currently embarking on a similar process and building on the learning that BASI experienced, in addition to developing snowsport instructor academic pathways. These pathways further solidify and validate the relevant skills transfer in higher education for broader career opportunities.