Accurate anthropometric data is fundamental to designing products, workplaces, vehicles, healthcare services and public environments that safely and effectively meet the needs of the people who use them. However, much of the anthropometric data currently used within the UK is either outdated, collected overseas, or does not adequately reflect the diversity of today’s UK population.
Internationally, significant progress is being made to address this challenge. Recent European standards have brought together anthropometric and strength data for children across Europe, resulting in the publication of Anthropometric and Strength Data of Children in Europe (PD CEN/TR 18296-1:2026).Â
This publication represent an important step forward in providing high-quality anthropometric data and guidance for designers, researchers and standards developers. Work is now underway to develop equivalent resources focused on adult populations, creating a unique opportunity for the UK to contribute to and benefit from this emerging international infrastructure.
Despite these advances, the UK remains underrepresented within large-scale anthropometric datasets. Establishing a modern and representative UK anthropometric database could support improvements across product design, ergonomics, healthcare, transport, standards development, research and innovation.
To begin exploring this opportunity, the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University is convening a thought leadership roundtable bringing together experts from ergonomics, design, health, industry, standards and data science.
The event will focus on:
- Understanding current anthropometric data gaps affecting UK stakeholders
- Learning from existing European and international initiatives
- Exploring options for developing a contemporary UK anthropometric database
- Identifying opportunities for collaboration across sectors
- Agreeing priorities and next steps
Event Details
Date: Thursday 14 January 2027
Time: 10:00-15:00
Location: Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
This will be a highly interactive working session designed to encourage discussion, collaboration and co-creation. Participants will be expected to actively contribute their expertise, experience and perspectives throughout the day.
Places are limited to 30 participants. Expressions of interest are invited from individuals currently working in the UK. Should demand exceed capacity, applications will be reviewed to ensure a balanced representation of sectors, disciplines and expertise.
If you would like to help shape the future of anthropometric data in the UK, we encourage you to submit an expression of interest and join this important conversation.
Register Your Interest
Places are limited to 30 participants and attendance is intended for individuals currently working in the UK. If expressions of interest exceed capacity, applications will be reviewed to ensure a balanced representation of sectors, disciplines and expertise.
Register your interest here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/2PWtps9vbz
Applications will close ahead of the event and all applicants will be contacted regarding the outcome of their application by 3 December 2026.
We welcome expressions of interest from colleagues across academia, industry, healthcare, standards development, government, design, ergonomics, engineering and data science who wish to help shape the future of UK anthropometric data.