A/Prof Ackland's background is in biomechanics and orthopaedics. His research focuses on computational modelling and experimentation of human movement biomechanics, with a particular emphasis on structure and function of the upper and lower extremities, and jaw. He employs medical imaging, human motion experiments, musculoskeletal modelling, and in vitro biomechanical experiments as his primary research techniques. His research outputs to date have had a strong focus on measurement and modelling of muscle and joint function during human movement, as well as design and evaluation of joint replacement prostheses.