The VISTA Conference has become an important international event by providing a forum for the exchange of current information, research and expertise related to Para sport and the Paralympic Movement.

It is designed to promote and advance the mission, goals and objectives of the IPC. 

The sixth edition was held in Bonn, Germany, from 1-4 May, and focused on the theme “Equipment and Technology in Paralympic Sports.” 

The topics covered at VISTA 2013 included:

• Using technology and equipment fairly: The balance between access, competitive edge and philosophy in sport
• From products for grassroots development to high-tech applications
• Paralympic Sporting Equipment: performance enhancement or necessary for performance
   in thematic symposia
• Equipment and technology developments in winter sports
• Technology and Equipment in relationship to Paralympic Classification
• Cycling Propulsion
• Athlete healthcare
• Technology in sport counselling
• “The Techno Team”: athlete – coach – technology

VISTA 2013 Programme

The VISTA 2013 scientific programme was built up around keynote addresses, invited symposia, oral presentations, and poster sessions. A PDF of the VISTA 2013 programme is available online. 

VISTA 2013 IPC Scientific Award

At the VISTA Conference, the IPC awards the IPC Scientific Award in recognition of the work of one academic researcher for their contribution to research in the field of sports for persons with an impairment. This award also serves to promote and encourage further study in this area.

To be eligible for this award, candidates must have contributed through significant scientific publications related to the scientific study of sport for persons with an impairment in any discipline, have received national and/or international recognition for his/her work, and place an emphasis on the practical application of research with direct or indirect benefit to the Paralympic Movement.

Dr. Rory Cooper was awarded the VISTA 2013 IPC Scientific Award. Dr. Cooper  is the founding director of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories at the University of Pittsburgh in the USA and has contributed to the Paralympic Movement as an athlete, coach, event organiser, and sport scientist. He  has worked significantly to create and evaluate new sports technologies, advancing equipment used in wheelchair racing, handcycling, wheelchair tennis, and seated throwing events. The past recipients of the VISTA Scientific Award can be found on the VISTA conference homepage. 

VISTA 2013 Presentations

The presentation topics of the keynote speakers, invited symposia and oral speakers can be found on the VISTA 2013 Programme.

Keynote Speakers

The keynote addresses are delivered by the winner of the IPC Scientific Award and two to five invited speakers on an agreed scientific theme. The VISTA 2013 leading experts presented on “Equipment and Technology in Paralympic Sports.” The Keynote speaker biographies can be found here. The 2013 speakers are detailed in the table below:

Invited Symposia 

Chaired and moderated by a member of the IPC Sports Science Committee or a professional expert, expert speakers are invited by the IPC to address particular themes and exchange views in interaction with the audience. The speakers and themed presentations of VISTA 2013 are in the table below:

Oral and Poster Presentations 

The IPC invites abstract submission from researchers and experts across Para sport. Abstracts may be submitted for oral or poster presentation, reviewed by the VISTA Scientific Committee Working Group.  Information on oral presentations can be found on the VISTA 2013 detailed programme. 

Poster Presentations offer participants the opportunity to engage with conference attendees by showcasing their research on a physical poster. These presentations occur parallel to keynote speakers, invited symposia, and oral presentations.