Exeter Defence, Security and Resilience Network

Human Performance

Human Performance

Researchers within our Human Performance theme are interested in the development of expertise, the maintenance of health, and interventions that can accelerate or maintain both. The research within this theme stems from a wide range of scientific disciplines including psychology, biomechanics, human factors, medicine, and nutrition, and is applied to a range of human performance challenges within the defence and security arena including training, optimising human performance, human augmentation, technology enhancement, and rehabilitation. 

Key capabilities and methodologies include the in-vivo measurement of cognition, attention, and human movement using motion capture, eye tracking, and psychometric tests. We have strong evidence synthesis and data analysis capabilities including systematic reviews, meta-analysis and computational modelling. We are able to run rigorous human volunteer studies including laboratory and field experiments, and randomised controlled trials.

  • Psycho-physiological determinants of skill acquisition and expertise, in order to develop novel training interventions, and optimise human performance.
  • Physiological, endocrine, and nutritional determinants of physical performance.
  • The neuromuscular biomechanics of the human musculoskeletal system, to evaluate performance, injury mechanisms, and human interaction with technology (e.g. exoskeletons.
  • Simulated and synthetic training, including eXtended Reality (XR) technologies.
  • Development of an xR Decision Support Tool for defence and security. 
  • Psycho-neuroendocrinology – the relationship between hormones and cognitive performance. 
  • Human augmentation strategies to enable online adaptations to operational stressors.  
  • The biomechanics of weapon concealment. 
  • The Application of Novel Techniques to Enhance Cognitive Performance, testing inhibition training for military task performance.  
  • Adaptive VR and eye movement training for room clearance.  
  • Application of Novel Techniques to Enhance Cognitive Performance. The role of inhibition in military task performance 
  • A Biomechanical analysis of running in military boots. 

Veteran Transitions

The VW Foundation funded project Military Afterlives, explores how veterans and their families navigate profound identity shifts after leaving the armed forces and highlights the long-term impacts of military service on personal and social identity. Further collaborative research through the Stories in Transition project has pioneered creative methods - such as arts, sport, and culture - to support veterans in articulating their transition experiences; empowering veterans to take an active role in narrating their own stories, fostering self-agency and community understanding.

Professor Paul Farrand’s research focuses on addressing mental health challenges among veterans through adaptations of Low-Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), including the development of digital mental health tools like the AI-supported CBT app for female veterans. His work contributes to evidence-based psychological interventions that address anxiety and depression, while also supporting military personnel through targeted mental health training.

To combat social isolation and strengthen community ties, the collaborative and co-designed Veteran Connection Programme (VCP) engages veterans in group-based interventions that emphasize the importance of social identity and group memberships. Drawing on the Social Identity Approach to Health (SIAH), VCP helps service leavers reconnect with meaningful social groups, promoting well-being and resilience during the transition to civilian life.

The University is a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcomes job applications from service people, for further information email armedforcescovenant@exeter.ac.uk.