The perfect combination of Biomechanik, aerodynamics, and elite athletics leads to success 

Numerous visitors attended the 2nd Industry-University Forum on Biomechanik to learn about the latest developments in research and practice.

13.10.2026 · Press release · Editorial Office: jd

A view across the standing and seated audience toward a table where a woman and three men are sitting and discussing something; a moderator is standing to the left of the table

On Friday, more than 150 interested attendees at the Institute for Advanced Biomechanics and Motion Studies (IBMS) at Hochschule Offenburg experienced firsthand what it means to successfully combine engineering expertise with knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system.

To “warm up,” after a welcome address by the Prorector for Research and Transfer, Prof. Dr. Thomas Eisele, the event began with a film. In it, students and professors Jörg Lienhard and Steffen Willwacher explained what they actually do in their Biomechanik program. Afterward, Prof. Dr. Jörg Ettrich and staff member Dirk Schoening presented “AeroOpt,” their current research project in collaboration with the Freiburg Olympic Training Center. Since 2025, a flight simulation facility in Hinterzarten—which was also developed as part of a joint project—has been used to realistically simulate the flight phases of ski jumping under controlled conditions. The goal is to better understand the influence of body posture and to specifically optimize aerodynamics. Dirk Schoening explained that a key focus is on female athletes, who have been inadequately represented in previous research. Prof. Dr. Matthias Scherge then highlighted just how important a solid data foundation—and thus sound technique—is for elite sports today. The director of the Snowstorm Institute for Athlete Support emphasized that this is not only about improving performance but also about preventing falls and injuries. 

This was subsequently confirmed by the panel discussion moderated by Steffen Willwacher under the theme “The Pros Spill the Beans!” Simon Geschke, a Tour de France stage winner, reported that cycling has become much faster in recent years due to improved aerodynamics and that it is therefore important to continue developing protective measures—such as helmets—as well. Geschke also cited as an example a new type of mouthguard used in American football that simultaneously measures concussions among players. Dr. Walter Rapp, a sports science researcher at the Freiburg Olympic Training Center, and Sina Lasch, Marketing Manager for Sponsorship at Hansgrohe SE, also emphasized the importance of prevention for athletes’ development and for ensuring a positive experience for customers. Other topics included the risk of overburdening athletes through excessive data collection—keyword: “transparent athletes”—as well as the benefits companies can derive from developments in sports.

Before moving on to hands-on research and lab activities, there was an awards ceremony: Donovan Salvi received the Best Poster Award for his presentation of the project “Circular Lightweight Shells for Orthoses, Helmets, and Protective Systems.”

To wrap things up, visitors gained their own personal insight into Biomechanik through interactive lab tours, hands-on experiments, and stops at about a dozen company booths.