Global sport partnership shoots for stars with CQU Chiropractic
A new partnership between CQUniversity and the world body for sports chiropractors is set to shape education and training for chiropractors on the frontlines of elite sport – and ensure Australian athletes have world-class support as they approach Brisbane 2032.
CQUniversity and the Fédération Internationale de Chiropratique du Sport (International Federation of Sports Chiropractors, or FICS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, to advance research, education, and the development of future sports chiropractors.
CQU Associate Professor Katie de Luca is excited by the research-driven partnership.
“Collaborative research activities could include sports injury surveillance, surveys of FICS members and associated event personnel, studies of sports chiropractic patient populations, and qualitative enquiry and observational research capturing sport chiropractic practice,” she said.
CQUniversity offers Chiropractic courses on-campus in Brisbane, with nearly 200 students currently completing studies across the Master of Clinical Chiropractic and Bachelor of Chiropractic Science courses.
Chiropractic Head of Course, Dr Matthew Fernandez adds that the agreement would create new educational pathways for FICS members and CQU Bachelor of Science (Chiropractic) students.
“CQUniversity is keen to support graduate and continuing professional development opportunities in sports chiropractic, and is already offering new up-skilling pathways through our Graduate Certificate in High Performance Para Sport,” he said.
“CQU already connects our students with numerous sports experiences to develop their skills – in recent years, that’s been as diverse as dragon boat racing, outrigger canoe, pickleball, and a wide range of sports at University Games.
"Therefore, we will work with FICS to ensure our students can grow their support for the sports sector through internships and field-based volunteering."
He added: “These opportunities ensure the chiropractors get vital experience to support our athletes, all the way to the podium!”
CQUniversity will also work with FICS on joint consultancy and advisory projects, where the countdown to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics is a central focus of the agreement.
“The next seven years will be crucial for ensuring a pipeline of sports chiropractors who are experienced in high performance and elite sport environments,” Assoc Prof de Luca said.
FICS President Martin Isaksson and Secretary General Brian Nook co-signed the MoU and said it was an exciting development for chiropractic innovation.
“On behalf of FICS, and as the international representative body for sports chiropractors, this collaboration with CQUniversity expands our abilities to integrate sport, education, and research. FICS’s vision is every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic, where we strive to assure equitable health care services within sport, exercise and recreational activity.”
CQUniversity is a leading university in SPORT (Sport and exercise, Physical activity, Occupational and Rehabilitation Therapies), and its SPORT Strategy 2025-2028 commits to collaboration with grassroots, government and industry partners for high performance and community engagement outcomes.
Learn more at the SPORT at CQUniversity website, or explore CQU’s Chiropractic courses page.
