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Dr Luke Hopper


Luke is a Vice Chancellor’s Research Fellow and coordinates the ECU Performance Capture Studio at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

Background

Dr Hopper’s research is centered around the scientific and creative analyses of human movement. Luke’s work in the ECU Performance Capture Studio originated by applying advanced biomechanical methods to injury prevention in dance and has expanded to incorporate animation and creative motion capture performance leveraging modern 3D game engines. Luke’s postgraduate research pioneered 3D motion capture methods for the biomechanical analyses of dance. This applied research has continuously involved collaboration with industry partners including Harlequin Dance Floors and the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Luke is a 2019 Churchill Fellow and has an international professional network spanning the arts and sciences.

The multi-disciplinary nature of Luke’s work has engaged with health, engineering and the creative arts. A founder of the Simulation and Immersive Digital Technology Group at ECU, Luke has extensive experience working with industry partners and across multiple academic domains. This work addresses real world problems based upon existing academic knowledge and the subsequent translation of high-quality research into new evidence.

Professional associations

  • Australian Society for Performing Arts Healthcare; Executive Committee (2014-2020), President (2016-2019), Vice President (2019-2020)
  • International Association for Dance Medicine and Science; Student Committee (2007-2009), Promotion Committee Chair (2012-2016), Board of Directors (2015-2017)

Awards and recognition

National and International awards

  • 2018 - Winston Churchill Memorial Fellow

University and National Teaching awards

  • 2019 - Vice Chancellor’s Staff Award, Inspiring Teams; Edith Cowan University
  • 2016 - Vice Chancellor’s Staff Award, Rational Inquiry; Edith Cowan University
  • 2013 - Vice Chancellor’s Commendation for Teaching Excellence; University of Notre Dame Australia
  • 2011 - Vice Chancellor’s Commendation for Teaching Excellence; University of Notre Dame Australia

National and International Research awards

  • 2022 - Research and Innovation Project of the Year; WA Incite Awards
  • 2020, 22, 23 - National Field Leader; Drama and Theatre Arts. The Australian, Research Special Report
  • 2019 - Highest Skills Transformation of Large Teams; iAwards, Australian Computer Society
  • 2019 - Most Transformative Impact on Education; Incite Awards
  • 2009 - International Association for Dance Medicine and Science Student Research Award
  • 2007 - International Association for Dance Medicine and Science Student Research Award

Research areas and interests

Luke’s current research focus involves the exploration of creative technologies for use in the digital evolution of live performance. He is also involved in several collaborative projects spanning arts health, digital simulation training for health professionals and generative AI driven interactive avatars.

Academic disciplinary expertise includes:

  • 3D motion capture
  • biomechanics
  • animation
  • motor control
  • arts health
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