The Structure and Motion Laboratory contains  state-of-the-art facilities and multidisciplinary expertise, the laboratory has an international reputation for excellence in this field.  

We investigate how animals move and how they interact with their physical environment, including how movement is controlled and the limits to performance. Our research covers the scale range from individual muscle fibre contractions to group dynamics in herds of animals. We use this knowledge to gain a more complete understanding of how and why animals move as they do. We study a diverse range of species: domesticated animals such as cats and dogs, invertebrates, and large mammals including elephants and cheetahs. We also research the evolution of locomotion in a range of species. You can find out more about our research on the projects page, some of our recent highlights include:

Professor Alan Wilson poses with cheetahs and the Structure and Motion Lab research aircraft while filming a segment for Big Cats with the BBC. Photo ©BBC/Stuart Dunn

A wide range of science and technology

The RVC Hawkshead Campus is home to our two large, modern laboratories to undertake all our locomotion research including aerial and terrestrial movement; we also conduct much field research on free ranging animals in their natural environment. Our cutting edge equipment, much of which was innovated by our own team, was purchased through competitive funding awards. Understanding structure and motion in animals necessitates a multidisciplinary approach and our team includes vets, biologists, palaeontologists, engineers, and computer scientists, supported by technical and administrative staff.  

Our gait laboratory equipment includes forceplates, electromyography (EMG), and high speed and motion capture camera systems. We also have specialised facilities for assessing musculoskeletal function. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray machines are used to investigate evolutionary biomechanics and muscle cell activity. Our team often use their technical expertise to pioneer new exciting technologies for the measurement and analysis of movement. This has included the development of wildlife tracking devices that use GPS and a range of movement sensors to measure the position and speed of animals in field conditions. 

Zebra in the Moremi Game Reserve wearing an RVC tracking collar
Zebra in the Moremi Game Reserve wearing an RVC tracking collar

Communicating research

Members of the Structure and Motion Laboratory team regularly participate in engagement and outreach events to share our innovative research. We have an ongoing programme of public engagement activities and contribute to school science events, public exhibitions, television and radio programmes.

Structure and motion researcher discusses methods of studying locomotion to a crowd during an RVC open day
Discussing methods of studying locomotion at the RVC Open Day

Led by Professor Alan Wilson

BSc BVMS PhD MRCVS FRS
Professor of Locomotor Biomechanics

Alan moved to the Royal Veterinary College in 1996 where he now holds the post of Professor of Locomotor Biomechanics. He is a Director of the Company of Biologists, a not-for-profit publishing organisation dedicated to supporting and inspiring the biological community. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London in 2020.

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