Rhodes University’s Human Kinetics and Ergonomics Department celebrates 80 years of shaping human potential and well-being

Date Released: Mon, 14 July 2025 09:23 +0200

Rhodes University’s Human Kinetics and Ergonomics (HKE) Department is proud to announce its 80th anniversary, marking eight decades of pioneering education, research, and community engagement in the fields of sports science, human factors and ergonomics and physical activity. To commemorate this significant milestone, the department will host a dynamic symposium on 15 July 2025, bringing together leading minds in sports science, ergonomics, and physical activity.

As the only tertiary education department in South Africa offering a full-time degree in Human Factors and Ergonomics, this anniversary celebration underscores HKE's unique and vital role in shaping human potential and well-being across the nation and beyond.

Established in 1945 with a one-year Diploma course in Physical Education, the department has undergone significant evolution to become the multidisciplinary hub it is today. Initially focused on training Physical Education teachers, a pivotal shift in 1982 under Professor Jack Charteris led to a more science-focused approach and the introduction of Ergonomics. This transition was completed in 1996 under Professor Pat Scott, who formally established the Human Kinetics and Ergonomics (HKE) Department and moved it to the Science Faculty, while still accommodating students from the Humanities. Professor Scott will be one of the honoured guests at the anniversary symposium.

Today, HKE’s undergraduate theory broadly applies to Sports Science, Ergonomics, and Physical Activity with postgraduate work that makes a tangible difference in a diverse set of focus areas including physical activity in children, cricket, healthcare, underwater work, sleep and musculoskeletal injuries to name a few. The department’s core mission revolves around understanding the interaction between humans and other elements of the system to enhance performance and human well-being, regardless of context.

Key highlights of the 80th anniversary celebrations include:

• Future-focused keynote talks:
  • Professor Andrew Thatcher, President of the International Ergonomics Association, will share insights on the ever-evolving future of work.
  • Sma Ngcamu-Tukulula, President of the Ergonomics Society of South Africa, will delve into the critical role and application of Ergonomics in the South African context.
• Spotlight on breakthrough research: The symposium will feature reflections on the department’s pioneering work and significant contributions in areas such as:
  • Human Factors and Ergonomics
  • Sleep Science
  • Community engaged research
• Inaugural Lecture by Professor Candice Christie at 18:30 on 16 July: A trailblazer in sport science and physical activity research, Prof Christie will reflect on her journey and the department’s deep-rooted impact on the discipline of Human Kinetics and Ergonomics.

The department’s interdisciplinary approach draws knowledge from anatomy, biomechanics, psychology, sociology, anthropometry, engineering, computer science, management, and economics. This holistic perspective is applied to diverse areas, including improving hazardous working conditions, optimising athlete performance, ensuring maximum productivity, promoting appropriate technology use, and fostering healthy lifestyles.

HKE is also recognised for its significant contributions to the field of Ergonomics in South Africa, offering a series of highly regarded short courses in ergonomic principles, specifically tailored to the Southern African context.

“The 80th anniversary celebrations give us a perfect opportunity to reflect on the past and to discuss the future,” said Andrew Todd, Head of Rhodes University’s Human Kinetics and Ergonomics Department.

As Rhodes University’s Human Kinetics and Ergonomics department celebrates its 80th anniversary, it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering human well-being, and contributing to a healthier and more productive society through its unique interdisciplinary approach. The anniversary symposium will not only honour a rich past but also set the stage for the next chapter of innovation and impact in sports science and ergonomics.

 

 

 

Source:The Division of Communications and Advancement