LOWELL, Mass. (AP) -- More than 250 sports engineers, researchers and equipment manufacturers are scheduled to gather at the University of Massachusetts in Lowell for the International Sports Engineering Conference.

The conference starting Monday and running all week is the world's largest forum for research into the science and engineering behind athletic performance.

The event will feature interactive exhibits and more than 145 presentations on sports including track and field, swimming, cycling, tennis, soccer, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, baseball, hockey, football, basketball, golf, archery, fencing, cricket, badminton and more.

Headliners include physics professor John Eric Goff, author of "Gold Medal Physics: The Science of Sports."

Experts will speak on improved equipment performance and durability, regulation, new product innovation, equipment safety and comfort, sports engineering education and issues faced by physically challenged athletes.