When most people think about sports, they think about running times, strength gains, or the latest kit. Few stop to think about breasts – yet they play a pivotal role in how women move, perform, and even whether they feel confident enough to exercise at all. One woman, Professor Dr. Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, PhD, has made it her life’s work to change that.
From personal pain to global impact
Professor Dr. Wakefield-Scurr didn’t start this journey as an outside researcher. She was a breast pain sufferer herself. That personal experience became her motivation to dig deeper into a problem that had been relatively ignored in both science and sport. In 2005, she founded the Research Group in Breast Health at the University of Portsmouth, one of the first of its kind to investigate the biomechanics of breasts and the impact of bras.
Her team’s breakthrough research revealed that breasts move in a 3D figure-of-eight pattern, with movement of up to 21 cm and acceleration faster than a Formula 1 car. They discovered that poor support doesn’t just cause pain, it can stretch delicate breast tissue, reduce running stride length, and even prevent women from taking part in sport. Thanks to her work, breast health is no longer a side note – it’s becoming recognised as a critical part of women’s performance and wellbeing. 
A leader in breast science
Today, Professor Dr. Joanna Wakefield-Scurr is recognised worldwide as The Bra Professor. The research from Joanna and her team has:
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Informed product development for major sports brands
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Supported the NHS in understanding changes in breast support requirements pre and post-breast cancer surgery
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Helped the UK Armed Forces implement a bra fitting and issue service
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Contributed to Olympic athlete support systems
She also established the world’s first sports bra test house, creating a gold standard for evaluating whether bras truly deliver on their promises. Beyond the lab, she co-founded Treasure Your Chest, a charitable initiative teaching schoolgirls about breasts and bras. Their outreach work has shown lasting improvements in confidence, breast knowledge, and engagement in sport.
What The Bra Professor looks for in a sports bra
Through research and experience, Professor Dr. Wakefield-Scurr has learned what makes the difference between a bra that just looks the part and one that truly supports:
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High support with minimal stretch and moulded or structured cups
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A back fastener – for better fit, easier removal, and longer-lasting support
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Moisture management fabrics to prevent rubbing and chafing
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High necklines for maximum support
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Wide, padded straps and racerbacks to distribute pressure and prevent slipping and digging
These preferences are rooted in science – not marketing – and they help women make informed choices.
Why Tigers Eye chose to work with her
At Tigers Eye, we know that a sports bra isn’t a fashion accessory. It plays a critical role in performance, and health. Like The Bra Professor, our drive comes from personal experience and pain – we know firsthand how poor support can damage your health and prevent women from having an active lifestyle.
That’s why we chose to collaborate with The Bra Professor and the team at the University Portsmouth. Their research underpins the design of our bras, ensuring they are not just stylish, but science-backed and rigorously tested. The Bra Professor shares our passion for creating sports bras that meet the demands of real women – from professional athletes to frontline servicewomen, sports bras that are rooted in research instead of fashion. Together, we’re raising the standard of what women should expect from their sports bras.
A shared mission
Thanks to Professor Dr. Wakefield-Scurr's pioneering work, the world is finally starting to understand the true importance of breast support in sport and beyond. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and leadership – and we at Tigers Eye are proud to be part of that journey.
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