From high-performance prosthetics to controversial trainers – the work of Dr Bryce Dyer

Dr Bryce Dyer is an expert in biomedical engineering and sports technology – expertise that has led him in varied directions including designing prosthetics for Paralympic cyclists and examining controversial technologies in sport. Bryce is Deputy Head of the Design & Engineering Department at BU and Visiting Professor of Assistive Technology at the University of Bolton.

Bryce began his research career by applying his experience in product design to examining the fair use of prosthetics in running – in response to the controversy generated by Oscar Pistorius’s attempts to run in both the Olympics and Paralympics.

Bryce has continued his interest in the ethics of assistive technology in sport – writing and commenting extensively on the subject in the mainstream media. Most recently, Bryce has provided his expert insight in the debate surrounding Nike’s Vaporfly trainers, including writing for The Conversation, providing comment for media including Reuters and appearing on US Radio station NPR. You can listen to Bryce’s interview here: www.npr.org/2020/02/23/808681604/nike-vaporfly-shoes-controversy

Bryce has also worked with elite disabled athletes to design and engineer high-performance prosthetics. In collaboration with prosthetists at Pace Rehabilitation, Bryce has designed prosthetic limbs for Invictus Games medal winning cyclist Craig Peece and Paralympic cyclist Colin Lynch. 

Bryce said: “I really enjoy doing research that has tangible real world applications – particularly in elite sport, which is a major passion of mine both inside and outside of the university.”

Bryce’s sporting drive extends beyond his research and into his personal life – he has competed at the highest level in several different sports and so understands better than most the needs of his fellow elite athletes when designing assistive technology for them.