By Aubrey Tarbox
Clemson University’s Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute (RHBSSI) will host its third annual Research and Creative Endeavors in the Sports Sciences (RECESS) Symposium from Nov. 10-12, 2026. Clemson faculty, students, alumni and others are invited to the event.
Through activities ranging from facility tours to experiencing virtual reality labs, attendees can hear from industry professionals and learn about various research projects in the sports sciences taking place.
“Join us as we celebrate the best of Clemson University’s research, education, engagement and outreach in the sports sciences.”
John DesJardins, RHBSSI director
Fun-Filled Celebrations and Sports Science Education
For RECESS, each day will have a different theme: Motorsports Day on Nov. 10, Human Performance Day on Nov. 11 and The Final Lap on Nov. 12.
Motorsports Day will take place at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville, SC, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., with shuttles available from the main campus. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn and discuss technical and marketing topics in motorsports with panelists.
Tours of the Watt Performance and Wellness Center and the Athletic Recovery Center will also be available on Human Performance Day. The Watt Performance and Wellness Center tour will take place at 11 a.m., and the Athletic Recovery Center tour will start at noon. Through the tours, attendees can learn more about how athletes recover and train for their sports.
A panel on data-informed performance will also take place at the Reeves Recruiting Room at Memorial Stadium on Human Performance Day. The panel will begin at 4 p.m., with a student experience panel to follow at 5:05 p.m., followed by keynote speaker Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider at 5:35 p.m. A post-keynote reception will take place at the Masters Club at 6:15 p.m.
The Institute will present its annual GRIT Awards recipients and Brook Scholars on Nov. 12, with keynote speaker former NASCAR engineer Richie Parker and networking opportunities at the Watt Family Innovation Center. Attendees will also have the opportunity to see what students and faculty fellows have recently researched.
About the GRIT Awards
The Institute’s annual GRIT Awards are given to individuals or groups who have stood out in sports science areas such as research, community and outreach, student engagement and furthering the Institute’s mission. The winner of each category is awarded a trophy.
Faculty, staff and students may nominate themselves or others by filling out this form by Oct. 16.
