Key takeaways:

• The Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre (EERC) is a leading authority in human ergonomics and clothing physiology – how clothing systems interact with the human body and the environment.
• Changing climates and ageing workforces are exposing knowledge gaps in our understanding specific population group physiology. The EERC is looking to expand our understanding with targeted research into the thermal needs of early years children and older demographics.
• As demand for functional, value-added textiles such as cooling materials grows, it is essential that performance is validated under real-world conditions. Equipment such as thermal manikins and climatic chambers can simulate these conditions while maintaining precise control of environmental parameters.

The consideration of clothing physiology and ergonomics can be a key differentiator between a good piece of kit and a great one. In segments where performance is critical – such as sports and outdoorwear – a sympathetic approach to a user’s thermal, physical, sensorial and even psychological needs can edge marginal gains. The same can be said for work and industrial applications, where a holistic view of environment, task and user conditions can ensure safety and comfort.

This same ethos can be applied to a myriad of industries, jobs and organisations, and as such, human factors and ergonomics warrants a strong appetite for research.