Associate Professor Anthony Bedford
PhD RMIT, BAppSci(Maths)(Hons) RMIT, Accredited Scientific Level 5 Performance Analyst ISPAS
Associate Dean, Learning and Teaching
Associate Professor, Data Science
School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Email: abedford@usc.edu.au
Location: Sunshine Coast, SD-H1-1-1.54
Anthony is a data science and analytics specialist with global recognition in performance analysis and industry-focused innovation. An ISPAS Level 5 Accredited Scientific Performance Analyst – the highest level internationally – he blends deep technical capability with extensive leadership experience across higher education and high-performance sport. His industry work spans the creation of analytical ratings, tactical reporting systems, computer-based performance tools, bespoke software, and multidisciplinary solutions that enhance decision-making and competitive outcomes. His research centres on advanced analytical and computer-vision systems for sport and industry, including predictive pipelines and custom performance technologies that support real-time insight and strategic advantage. He has had over a dozen PhD and Masters completions.
Internationally, Anthony is well known through his long-standing leadership within MathSport Australasia, which he has chaired since 2008, hosting its conferences at UniSC on multiple occasions. He has delivered invited presentations and keynote addresses around the world, including the IACSS Pre-Olympic Conference in London, and has may strong collaborations with elite sporting organisations and major commercial partners such as Mizuno, AFL, 2XU, and multiple national sporting bodies. His performance analysis expertise has supported AFL clubs, the Melbourne Vixens, Sunshine Coast Lightning, Netball Australia, Netball New Zealand, and Badminton Australia—spanning two Olympic and three Commonwealth Games cycles. As Co-Head Analyst for the New Zealand Silver Ferns (2022–2026), he contributed to a 2022 Commonwealth Games Bronze Medal, Silver at the 2023 World Cup, and the 2024 Constellation Cup, building on earlier success with the Sunshine Coast Lightning’s 2017–2018 Premierships and 2019 Grand Final appearance.
At UniSC, Anthony has coordinated industry-integrated courses, supervised postgraduate researchers, built major partnerships, and expanded the Sports Tech Research Cluster. He continues to enhance the university’s teaching, research, and global engagement through leadership, collaboration, and innovation.
Research
Research Summary
ORCID
Research Grants
|
Grant/Project Name |
Investigators |
Funding body and AUD$ value |
Year(s) |
Focus of research grant |
|
RNG Project |
Anthony Bedford & Erica Mealy |
Confidential – $18,000 |
2023 |
Random number generation (RNG) analysis and data science validation |
|
Australian Racing Project |
Anthony Bedford |
Confidential – $5,000 |
2023 |
Data analytics and modelling for racing |
|
USC TNT Project |
Anthony Bedford & Paul Smith |
UniSC – $5,000 |
2019 |
Technology and training analytics development |
|
XTrade Sports Modelling Project |
Anthony Bedford, Elsuida Kondo, Stephen Pang and Joshua Kadlec-Cavanaugh |
XTrade Sports – $1,000,000 |
2014–2016 |
Advanced modelling and quantitative development in racing and sports analytics |
|
ASTN Sports Analytics Funding |
Anthony Bedford |
Australian Sports Technologies Network – $80,000 |
2014 |
Sports analytics research and innovation |
|
AFL Injury Prevention Project |
Anthony Bedford & Adrian Schembri |
AFL – $40,000 |
2013 |
Injury prevention modelling and performance data analysis |
|
Queensland Electrical Safety Commission Risk Engine |
Anthony Bedford & Adrian Schembri |
Queensland Government - $25,000 |
2012–2016 |
Development of risk prediction engine for electrical safety |
|
Mizuno Kenso Running Shoe Design |
Anthony Bedford, Pat Clifton and Adrian Schembri |
Mizuno - $5,000 |
2012 |
Optimisation and design analytics for elite footwear |
|
2XU Compression Testing & Six Sigma Models |
Anthony Bedford |
2XU - $5,000 |
2016 |
Compression garment performance testing and modelling |
|
Bunnings Injury Prevention Epidemiology |
Anthony Bedford |
Bunnings - $6,000 |
2008–2012 |
Injury prevention modelling, epidemiology and workforce safety analysis |
Teaching and supervision
Teaching
- Data Science
- Statistics and Analytics
- Industry Projects
- Machine Learning
- Research Dissertation
- Data Management
- Project Management
Professional
Awards and memberships
Professional Memberships
- MathSport Australasia
- Australia and New Zealand Industrial and Applied Mathematics (ANZIAM)
- MathSport International
- MathSport Asia
Awards & Fellowships
- Australian Learning and Teaching Award – Teaching Innovation (presented by Julia Gillard AC)
- Chair: MathSport Australasia (since 2008)
- Keynote: MathSport Asia (2024) (Best Paper)
- Keynote: SPRINZ (2024)
- Keynote: AIS Data & Decision Making Symposium (2022)
- Keynote: London Pre-Olympic Conference (2012)
Professional Social Media