Our PhDs on the road

Our PhD candidate Tjorven Schnack (Sport Science) spent four months at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences of the University of Queensland, Brisbane (Australia). Supported by the PhaNuSpo Mobility Grant, he conducted research and collaborated with scientists from around the world. Read more about his experiences!

  • Period of stay: 1 November 2025 to 28 February 2026

 

Report

This summer (or winter, depending on how you look at it), I had the opportunity to visit the University of Queensland, Brisbane (Australia). It was a great privilege to conduct research at a world-renowned university, which is particularly well regarded in the field of sport science. The visit took place within the framework of the research exchange program for PhD candidates. As the first-ever student in this exchange program, I am proud to be part of this international collaboration.

Together with my host supervisor, Dr. Raimundo Sanchez, I worked on two projects in the field of wearable sports-tracking. The first project was a lab- and field-based characterization of gait patterns across different terrains. In the second project we devised a novel computational method to reconstruct missing heart rate data. At the end of my stay, I submitted a paper based on the second project, marking an important milestone in my PhD.

Working in an international team improved my research communication skills, and I learned to overcome challenges that arise when working at the intersection of two disciplines (Sport Science and Computer Science). In addition to practical experience, I gained valuable personal experience and made lasting connections.

Beyond my time at the university, Brisbane has a lot to offer. It is a thriving metropolis, rivaling Vienna in terms of quality of life, and the university offers plenty of social clubs and activities. Australia’s endless coastline is nearby, perfect for weekend trips and excellent surfing. A road trip north to the Great Barrier Reef is a must. Of course, I should mention the beautiful weather. It is no coincidence that Queensland is nicknamed “the Sunshine State”.

I would like to express my gratitude to the University of Vienna, the VDS PhaNuSpo, and the University of Queensland for making this exchange possible and for supporting me throughout my stay. I would also like to thank my supervisors, colleagues, and friends who made this exchange unforgettable. I hope to return someday!

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Tjorven at the campus of the University of Queensland.