Peter Theobald BEng(Hons), PGCert, PhD, CEng, MIMechE, SFHEA

Dr. Peter Theobald leads a successful research team that generates new knowledge in understanding and preserving soft tissue structure and function. Peter and his team are currently applying these techniques to brain, heart and musculoskeletal tissue. They use a combination of experimental methods and computational techniques such that they can understand material behaviour, before offering innovative solutions to protect soft tissue structure and function.

Dr Theobald is particularly focused on understanding and protecting the head and brain. He is currently investigating head health across many sports, adopting new brain imaging capabilities whilst working alongside national and international governing bodies. He also works closely with the commercial sector, including Standards committees (in the UK and US) and manufacturers supplying relevant equipment. A significant strand of his work is focused on creating novel material structures that offer more effective brain protection, by achieving greater energy absorption. He is currently investigating the adoption of different manufacturing techniques including water-jetting and additive, work that has recently benefited from EPSRC infrastructure investment. He also has a strong interest in research with a potential clinical deliverable. With over 20 years of experience in orthopaedic biomechanics, he focuses on understanding tissue behaviour and identifying and commercialising innovative surgical solutions. He is also interested in cardiac biomechanics, including an EPSRC-funded study investigating growth and remodelling.