The 49-year-old from Brisbane, who had his left leg amputated following a severe motorcycle accident in 1985, claimed gold at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympics in the men's 50 metre freestyle S9.

He has since become a leading expert in biomechanics and now serves as a member of the IPC Sports Science Committee.

The Australian is set to be one of several leading experts at the conference, which takes place from May 1 until 4, where he will address the technology and equipment issues in Paralympic sport that made headlines at the London 2012.

"Technology and equipment is critical for Paralympic athletes," said Burkett, who was Australia's Opening Ceremony flag bearer at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games.

"Whether it's for allowing them to do their daily tasks or something sports-specific that meets the requirements of that sport and allows them to perform in that sport."

The issue of technology in sport was highlighted at the London 2012 Paralympics when Brazil’s Alan Oliveira defeated South Africa’s Oscar Pistorius in the men’s 200 metres T44

At VISTA 2013, Burkett will discuss changes in rugby and basketball wheelchairs and prosthetic legs over the years and how they have enhanced athletes' ability to perform in Paralympic sport.

The issue shot to the fore at London 2012 when Brazil's Alan Oliveira defeated South Africa's Oscar Pistorius in the men's 200 metres T44, only for Pistorius to claim that his was only beaten by the length of his rival's prosthetic blades.

"There's not enough knowledge out there to make an informed decision," Burkett said of the issue.

"If you do a straight mechanical test on Oscar Pistorius' prostheses, you find that as a pure anatomical function it would perform better than an anatomical foot."

"But the thing that's difficult to quantify is that he has to control that device with his residual limbs and that doesn't give him any advantage – it's actually a disadvantage - compared to his able-bodied athletes."

Other topics on the VISTA agenda include cycling propulsion, athlete healthcare, education and awareness, classification, technology developments in snow sports, social legacies, media, marketing and sponsorship.

Registration for the event is now available by clicking here.

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October 2012: IPC VISTA conference to focus on equipment and technology in Paralympic sports