Some people have questions about how the Sylvan Adams Sports Science Institute (SASSI) came to be and what research it's involved in. Please have a look at our FAQs. If you have any additional questions about SASSI, please contact us.
How was SASSI established?
McGill was initially approached by Mr. Adams’ philanthropic team in the summer of 2017 as there was an interest in supporting the development of research innovations in sports science at McGill University. Mr. Adams, a Montrealer, has ties to the Montreal and McGill communities, and as an avid cyclist himself, was coached by an alum of McGill’s Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education. Discussion ensued between McGill and Mr. Adams to reach a common vision for the Sports Science Institute, resulting in an agreement. The University conducted an official launch of the institute in August 2022.
Upon the SASSI launch, the institute has been touted as a game-changer in the world of Sports Science. Unlike most sports science centres – which primarily train and evaluate athletes – the Institute’s world-class academic setting brings unique features as a hub for interdisciplinary research collaborations among McGill faculties; harnessing the full breadth and depth of expertise to explore crucial questions about the limits of human performance, from the molecule to the whole body.
What does the donation to establish SASSI pay for?
The $29 million CAD donation to SASSI serves to fund world-leading sports science research, with the long-term goal of improving elite human performance for all humans and promoting healthier living across the human lifespan. Thus, the entire gift serves one purpose: to support sports science research conducted at McGill. Much of the donation will serve to build a dedicated sports science research facility on McGill campus comprised of testing labs, training suites, research offices, and meeting rooms. The remainder of the funds have been allocated to student fellowships (20 students from all over the world funded to date), and research grants (ten, 1-year sports science research projects funded to date). For more information on the research funded to date by SASSI, please visit SASSI Research section of this website.
Who are the members of the SASSI Community?
The SASSI community involves renowned McGill researchers and their graduate students collectively pursuing research in sports science, working under the auspices of McGill’s Faculty of Education, most of whom are part of the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education. Additionally, SASSI has a Board of Directors of distinguished supporters who are leaders in a variety of sports industries and organizations such as the Olympics, among others. SASSI will be curating opportunities for industry and research partnerships in sports science, to bridge the gap from research to practice in sports science.
What are some examples of the research being done at SASSI?
SASSI research involves studies, testing, data analysis, and publications that centre on scientific topics such as biomechanics, neuroscience, physiology, nutrition, and psychology. SASSI has a special interest in endurance sport science but is committed to advancing science in all sports. General examples of research topics may have to do with muscle fatigue, the impact of nutrition on sports performance, mental health in professional sports, and a myriad of other sports science-focused topics. For examples of projects supported to date by SASSI funds, please visit the SASSI Research section of this site.
How is funding governed at SASSI?
SASSI is a McGill Faculty of Education research institute that operates according to policies that govern research institutes at McGill University. Research funded by SASSI complies with the standards of peer-review and conforms with the institutional policies on the responsible and ethical conduct of research and responsible use of research funds.
