Part of SSISA’s success has been our productive and iterative partnerships, the chief of which has been our work in conjunction with the University of Cape Town. Over this quarter century, we have partnered with the UCT sports scientists, clinicians and researchers, and most recently, the UCT Research Centre for Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport (HPALS).
The UCT Research Centre for Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport (HPALS) aims to optimise human performance and promote health and well-being, addressing the growing pandemics of obesity and inactivity, reducing the burden of disease and injury, by promoting physical activity and sports participation, healthy eating and sleep hygiene. HPALS is embedded within the Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology (UCT). We are fortunate to partner with a centre comprised of world-class educators and researchers who are passionate about their disciplines. HPALS is committed to the translation of their research work, that it is inclusive and ‘difference-making’ to policy and practice, and that they innovate, developing bespoke solutions relevant to the Global South.
SSISA has established the Group for Research Implementation and Translation (GRIT) to facilitate research translation and provide insights into the latest evidence-based information in the areas of wellness and human performance. As such, the role of the team is to engage the public and other stakeholders, by taking evidence-based research into practice and market solutions. SSISA’s aim is to identify and/or create commercial research and development opportunities in partnership with UCT HPALS and to create a platform for conversation around various sports, health and wellness topics.
