Dr Grant Landers is a Senior Lecturer in Sport Science at The University of Western Australia, with expertise in environmental physiology, athlete performance assessment, and applied sport science. His teaching spans core undergraduate units across all year levels, impacting more than 700 students annually. He is recognised for his student-centred and inclusive approach to education, incorporating innovative practices such as peer mentoring, adaptive activities, and industry-linked learning opportunities.

Grant leads a cross-disciplinary research program on human performance in extreme environments, with a particular focus on open water swimming. His work has combined sport science and ocean engineering to develop a route optimisation tool used by the majority of Rottnest Channel Swim participants, and to investigate the effects of waves and environmental stressors on swimming performance. His research extends to clinical collaborations on swimming-induced pulmonary oedema and applied projects in athlete monitoring and body composition assessment.

Beyond the University, Grant is an active coach and consultant, working with athletes from community to Olympic level. He is a leader in outreach and engagement, growing sport science engagement with high school students from 500 annually to more than 1200, and embedding postgraduate and staff development into these initiatives.

Optimising Open-Water Swimming Performance: A Cross-Disciplinary Approach to Athlete Success and Safety

Open-water swimmers face unpredictable ocean conditions that affect performance and safety. Our team combined sport science and ocean engineering to create a route optimisation tool that predicts the fastest, safest path across the Rottnest Channel. Now used by most solo swimmers and adopted by race organisers, it provides reliable forecasts of swim times and informs safety planning. The innovation has improved athlete preparation, contributed to race records, and enhanced risk management. Its success is driving new applications for other ocean endurance events in Australia and worldwide.

Images below taken in 2021 & 2022 highlighting the impact of the route optimisation tool

Director of Student Engagement

SSEH level 1 advisor

UWA Triathlon Coach

SSEH1102 Applied Anatomy & Athletic Performance

SSEH1101 The Musculoskeletal System & Movement

SSEH1104 Active Leadership