AusiSTAR: The NextGen Playbook 2025

AusiSTAR: The NextGen Playbook 2025 is an annual open-access yearbook celebrating the work, achievements, and reflections of students and researchers within the Australian Sports Tech Analytics & AI Research (AusiSTAR) Hub. Many contributors are supported by the Next Generation Graduates Program (NGGP)—a national initiative led by Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) that develops industry-ready specialists in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. This cohort represents four leading universities: Queensland University of Technology (QUT), the University of New South Wales (UNSW), La Trobe University, and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Together, these students and partners demonstrate how emerging data science and AI talent is shaping the future of Australian sport. Their work spans performance analytics, participation insights, athlete wellbeing, community sport inclusion, and the design of new digital tools and technologies. Through collaboration with sport organisations, government agencies, and academic supervisors, contributors engage directly with real-world challenges and help drive innovation. This yearbook brings together a diverse collection of “wins” from key project milestones and industry adoption of research outputs to internships, publications, showcases, and testimonials. It also includes reflections on challenges, innovations, and lessons learned throughout the journey. These contributions capture the impact of student-led projects, strengthen connections across the consortium, and highlight the collaborative culture that underpins the AusiSTAR Hub. Featured insights come from students as well as partners at major organisations such as the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS). By documenting progress and celebrating achievements, The NextGen Playbook not only recognises the contributions of this year’s cohort but also provides future students and partners with a clear view of the value of engaging with sports data science and AI. Published annually as an open-access e-book with a DOI, it serves both as a record of the year’s advancements and a forward-looking resource supporting the growth of Australia’s sports innovation ecosystem.